nux vomica /nuks′ vom″ikə/ [L, nux, nut, vomere, to vomit] , the dried ripe seeds of a small Asian tree, Strychnos nux vomica, a source of the alkaloids strychnine and brucine. The seeds are powdered, and the strychnine content is reduced to a little more than 1% by the addition of lactose for use as a bitter tonic and nerve stimulant. It is unsafe at this concentration. Homeopathic remedies of nux vomica are much more diluted and are considered safe.
