Ipecac vs Alpinia officinarum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ipecac

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Digestive

Digestive

Ipecac

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Alpinia officinarum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

A Brazilian rainforest plant historically kept in every medicine cabinet as an emetic, now primarily used for amoebiasis.

Smaller galangal species used in TCM and medieval European medicine; spice trade commodity.

Active Compounds

Emetine, Cephaeline, Psychotrine, Alkaloids

galangin, alpinetin, kaempferide, acetoxychavicol, cineole, methyl cinnamate

Traditional Uses

Emetic (induced vomiting), Amoebic dysentery, Cough (very low dose), Poisoning first aid

digestive stimulant, nausea, cold and flu, stomach pain, cough

Modern Uses

Antiamebic (emetine), Expectorant (micro-dose), Historical poison antidote

anti-nausea, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, digestive aid

Adult Dosage

Medical supervision only — no longer recommended for home emetic use

2-4g dried rhizome daily

Contraindications

Heart disease, Pregnancy, Self-administration as emetic, Eating disorders

pregnancy high doses, GERD

Side Effects

Severe vomiting, Cardiotoxicity (emetine), Myopathy, Death (chronic misuse)

GI warming sensation

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E