NUX VOMICA (KUCHELA): A COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CORRELATION BETWEEN AYURVEDA AND HOMOEOPATHY

Abstract

Nux vomica (botanical name Strychnos nux-vomica Linn., family Loganiaceae), known in Ayurveda as Kupeelu, Kuchala, or Kuchela, represents one of the most intriguing medicinal agents common to both Ayurveda and Homeopathy. Despite its toxic nature due to the presence of alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine, traditional processing and potentization transform it into a valuable therapeutic agent. This paper aims to analyze the pharmacognostic, pharmacological, and therapeutic parallels between Ayurvedic and Homeopathic use of Nux vomica, elucidating how these two distinct systems of medicine converge on the same natural source with unique yet complementary principles of detoxification, preparation, and clinical application.