Ipecac
(noun)
A drug or plant product that causes vomiting when taken in small amounts, used as a treatment for poisoning or other conditions.
Origin:
From the portuguese word "ipeca" meaning "emetic root".
Examples:
- Ipecac is used to induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning.
- It is important to have ipecac on hand in case of accidental ingestion of harmful substances.
- Ipecac is a plant-based emetic, it's the root of Carapichea ipecacuanha, native of Brazil and Uruguay.
- Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended for use in the treatment of poisoning.
- Ipecac is also used in some homeopathic remedies as an expectorant and to treat bronchitis.