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What Is Colocynthis?

L. Burgoon
L. Burgoon

Derived from the colocynth plant, colocynthis is a herbal treatment for a variety of conditions, primarily intestinal or menstrual in nature. The treatment comes from the fruit of the gourd-like colocynth plant, which is native to Asia Minor. Ailments typically treated with colocynthis include constipation; liver and gallbladder problems; diarrhea; colic; and painful menstruation. Others use the herb to treat nerve and joint issues, such as sciatica, rheumatism and facial neuralgia.

Although proponents claim a variety of benefits, use of herbal treatments derived from the colocynth plant remain controversial because of studies showing some harmful effects. Ingestion of colcynth may severely irritate the stomach and intestines or cause kidney damage, bloody diarrhea and bloody urine. Overdose is believed to result in paralysis and death. Some regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, consider the colocynth plant and any treatments made from it as poisonous.

Colocynthis use may lead to vomiting.
Colocynthis use may lead to vomiting.

Colocynthis use dates back to ancient times. For example, it was used as an abortion agent in ancient Egypt. Ancient Greeks used the plant to treat lethargy and mental disorders. Colocynthis may be applied topically, dried and ground into a powder or made into a tincture, and is usually taken in conjunction with other herbal treatments.

Even if it is not used as widely as it was in ancient times, colocynthis is still available as a herbal treatment. Homeopaths may use the plant to treat underlying ailments and expel toxins from the body. Small amounts may be used in the treatment of colic. It is also believed to be beneficial in treating emotional problems such as depression. Other users take colocynthis for joint or nerve complaints, such as rheumatism, sciatica or facial neuralgia.

Use of colocynthis commonly leads to abdominal cramping.
Use of colocynthis commonly leads to abdominal cramping.

It should be noted however that colocynthis can cause side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. Herbal treatments, including colocynthis, should always be used under the guidance of an experienced herbal practitioner and after consultation with one's family doctor. The effects and side effects of such treatments cannot be generalized for all patients, as each person is likely to react differently. Therefore, informed research and consultation is necessary before undertaking such treatments. Those especially with chronic health problems must consider the advantages and possible risks of herbal treatments, as unwanted reactions and negative interactions with other treatments may occur.

Discussion Comments

kylee07drg

Colocynthis side effects, besides the severe ones that lead to death and organ damage, sound very similar to those of laxatives I have taken in the past. I often suffer from constipation, and eventually, I have to medicate myself, though the results are usually unpleasant.

Most laxatives make me bend over with cramps. I spend a lot of time just sitting on the toilet in excruciating abdominal pain while I wait for the medicine to do its job. Sometimes, the pain is so great that it makes me nauseated, and I have to vomit.

Because of these experiences, I can’t imagine taking something that does all this and worse. Whatever the problem is, it sounds like it would only be worsened by colocynthis.

Perdido

My best friend died from taking colocynth for extreme constipation back in 1989. She didn’t want to go to a doctor for her problem, so she got this treatment from a health food store.

If it had happened just two years later, then she could still be alive. In 1991, the FDA banned colocynth. They found that even amounts as small as one and a half teaspoons of the powder could cause death.

Though my friend did not know it, there is a remedy for colocynth poisoning. I don’t know if it could have saved her, because she took two teaspoons of it. A person who experiences this poisoning should take a solution of dilute tannic acid and then drink several drinks containing eggs.

seag47

A few years ago, my grandmother used colocynthis as treatment for her hypochondria. Her natural living therapist recommended this treatment, and ironically, her hypochondria evolved into a real illness.

The herbal treatment made her have bloody stools and urine. It actually caused her kidneys to fail. She had to undergo dialysis for years until she found a suitable match for a kidney transplant.

She is alive and well today, but she stays far away from any herbal treatments. Unless something has been cleared by the FDA, she won’t touch it.

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    • Colocynthis use may lead to vomiting.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Colocynthis use may lead to vomiting.
    • Use of colocynthis commonly leads to abdominal cramping.
      By: Dessie
      Use of colocynthis commonly leads to abdominal cramping.
    • Colocynthis may help cure colicky babies when given in small doses.
      By: Dmytro Panchenko
      Colocynthis may help cure colicky babies when given in small doses.
    • Colocynthis is usually used to treat health issues involving the liver and gallbladder.
      By: ancroft
      Colocynthis is usually used to treat health issues involving the liver and gallbladder.
    • Colocynthis can be used to treat constipation and diarrhea.
      By: Africa Studio
      Colocynthis can be used to treat constipation and diarrhea.
    • Bloody urine can be a side effect of colocynthis.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Bloody urine can be a side effect of colocynthis.
    • Colocynthis is used by its advocates to treat many menstrual issues.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Colocynthis is used by its advocates to treat many menstrual issues.