Herbal Action: Emetic

Induce vomiting

Emetic herbs induce vomiting and help the body clear obstructions and toxins from the stomach.

In the Thomsonian tradition, and later carried forward by Dr. Christopher, emetics (lobelia) were reserved as a last resort, used when other, gentler approaches hadn't resolved a condition. Rather than being a first-line remedy, vomiting was viewed as a way to trigger a "crisis" that helped the body break through a stubborn condition and reset itself. Dr. Christopher's practice typically paired lobelia with cayenne or peppermint to moderate its effects, and used small, frequent doses specifically in acute cases — such as a severe asthma attack — where inducing vomiting helped clear thick, choking mucus that nothing else seemed to move. In Thomsonian medicine emetics were a deliberate, purposeful intervention for difficult cases, not a routine or casual remedy. Use only with caution and definitely with the spirit to guide.

What they do

• Induce vomiting

• Help clear obstructions and toxins from the stomach

How they're used:

Emetic herbs are usually administered as a tea or tincture, in small, closely repeated doses until vomiting occurs.

When to consider them:

Food poisoning or ingestion of something harmful, severe, mucus-choked respiratory distress, and as a last resort for stubborn conditions after a more gentler approach has been applied.

Caution:

Use with great care and guidance by the spirit.

Herbs

• Bayberry

• Chaparral

• False unicorn

• Ipecac

• Lobelia

• Mescal

• Podophyllum

• Poke root

• Stillingia