Foxcake: What Should You Know About This Medicinal Plant?
The strychnine tree (fox cake) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to China, Thailand, East India, and Australia. Its seeds are also known as nux vomica and are used as a natural remedy to alleviate many diseases and symptoms.
Foxcake is traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction, constipation, migraine, bloating and anxiety. However, scientific evidence does not yet support this use.
When the fox cake seed is still raw, it contains an alkaloid called strychnine. It is sometimes used as a rat poison. Because of this, foxcake can be a dangerous herb, but it can also be purchased in the form of tablets and powder.
What are the benefits of a fox cake?
According to some people’s experiments, fox cake has anti-inflammatory properties. It is therefore believed to be suitable for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism and hemorrhoids. According to an animal study published in the American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, foxcake may be effective in treating inflammation.
Its seeds also contain antioxidants, so they can potentially fight free radicals that damage the body’s cells. Many claim they contain antiseptic properties. However, further research is needed.
According to a study in mice by Phytotherapy Research, the alkaloids in walnuts may inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, as in the case of colon cancer. However, further research is needed on this topic and cannot be considered as a first approach in the field of oncology.
A study by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggests that foxcake seeds have the ability to stop the growth of human liver cancer cells. However, it is important to note that further scientific research is needed to support this theory.
Foxcake is used to treat various ailments such as back pain, constipation, menstrual cramps, impotence, male infertility, migraine, anxiety and insomnia.
However, these benefits have not been proven by scientific studies. Therefore, always talk to your doctor first before using it.
A study in rats by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine claimed that foxcake may help treat alcoholism. However, there are no test results for its effect on alcohol-dependent people.
How to use a foxcake?
Foxcake supplements are available from a pharmacy without a prescription and can be purchased from health food stores in the form of tablets or powder. Each manufacturer has varying dosages and instructions because the product does not have scientific approval and thus the exact amount cannot be determined.
For this reason, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a supplement. Do not rely on the product description. If you have lactose intolerance, you should check if the supplement is made from dairy products. Some recipes contain them and others do not.
According to some manufacturers, this product has a shelf life of up to three years if stored in a cool, dark place.
Foxcake: what are the risks of using it?
Foxcake is not considered a safe seed if eaten regularly or in large quantities. If it is used in excess of 30 mg, it is believed to cause serious side effects, such as:
- Stiffness in the neck and back
- Anxiety
- Dizziness and convulsions
- Jaw cramps
- Hepatic impairment
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classifies fox cake as a hazardous substance because of its serious neurological side effects. Therefore, the product should never be used without first talking to your doctor, especially if you want to treat erectile dysfunction.
Who is not suitable for a fox cake?
Although foxcake is not recommended for anyone, the risk of toxic side effects is higher in certain people. People in the following categories should therefore avoid using a foxcake:
- Pregnant or lactating women. This seed causes serious harm to both the baby and the mother.
- Patients with liver disease. Foxcake can aggravate liver disease and even cause liver damage as its seeds contain strychnine.
Summary: what should be remembered about the fox cake?
The foxcake comes from Australia, Thailand, China and East India. People have traditionally used it to treat a variety of ailments such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, constipation, menstrual cramps and migraines.
However, not enough scientific research has yet been done to support these benefits. On the contrary, high consumption of foxcake seeds can lead to serious side effects.
Please keep in mind that each manufacturer has its own dosages and instructions. Therefore, be careful and do not follow the instructions in the product description. They are not based on any health information.
Everyone should avoid consuming fox cake, but especially pregnant and lactating women, children, and patients with liver disease. It is important to talk to your doctor first before using foxcake.
