Botanical Index No. 563

Jalap

ipomoea purga

Medicinal Actions

Antiinflammatory, Diuretic, Laxative, Stomachic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Vermifuge Colitis Constipation Diarrhea Dropsy Dysentery Enterosis Gastrosis Inflammation Pain Restlessness Rheumatism Sluggishness Sore Water Retention Worm

General Dosage

50–200 mg resin as stomachic, higher doses as laxative; children 100–300 mg, adults 300–1200 as laxative; 100–300 mg resin as maximum individual dose, up to 1.5 g day for jalap resin. Average 1 g for orizabensis resin. 50–200 mg resin as stomachic, higher doses as laxative; children 100–300 mg, adults 300–1200 as laxative; 100–300 mg resin as maximum individual dose, up to 1.5 g day for jalap resin. Average 1 g for orizabensis resin.

Safety & Contraindications

Gruenwald warns of the likelihood of confusing Ipomoea orizabensis and Jalap. Since probably none of the chemical and pharmacological studies were of resins backed up by voucher specimens, I have aggregated the data here. Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects — Not covered. Use of I. purga is obsolete. Overdoses may cause cramp, enterosis, gastrosis, nausea, and pain. But for orizabensis, “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages”. Colic may be a side effect.

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