Tabacum is a homeopathic remedy prepared from the tobacco plant. In homeopathic practice it is best known for travel and motion sickness: it is traditionally associated with deathly nausea and vertigo, a cold sweat and pallor, and a sinking, faint feeling relieved by fresh air and uncovering the abdomen.
Here we look at Tabacum's plant source, its classic homeopathic indications, the characteristic picture, and the forms and potencies available.
The short version: Tabacum is the homeopathic tobacco remedy for deathly, sweaty travel-sickness nausea that eases with fresh air.
What is Tabacum and where does it come from?
Tabacum is made from Nicotiana tabacum, the tobacco plant. Anyone who has felt the green, sweaty sickness of too much tobacco will recognise the remedy's picture, and homeopathy uses that very state — prepared through dilution and succussion — to match similar complaints, above all motion sickness.
What is Tabacum traditionally used for in homeopathy?
Tabacum's picture is dominated by nausea and vertigo. It is associated with:
- Deathly nausea with a sinking, faint feeling in the pit of the stomach.
- Motion and sea sickness — worse from the least movement of a car, boat or train.
- Cold sweat and pallor, sometimes with a green tinge to the face.
- Vertigo on opening the eyes or on movement.
- Relief from fresh, cold air and from uncovering the abdomen.
Who reaches for Tabacum? The typical picture
The Tabacum picture is the classic seasick pallor — clammy, cold-sweated, deathly nauseous and longing to lie still in cool, moving air. Complaints are strongly worse from motion, warmth and a stuffy room and better in the open air, from cold and from uncovering the stomach. The person often feels they must have air at once.
What forms and potencies does Tabacum come in?
Tabacum is available as pillules, tablets and liquid drops, and is commonly used in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. You can explore travel and nausea options across the full United Remedies range. Follow the pack directions or practitioner advice.
Common questions
What is Tabacum used for in homeopathy?
It is traditionally associated with motion and sea sickness, deathly nausea with cold sweat and pallor, and vertigo relieved by fresh air. It is not a treatment or cure for any condition.
How does Tabacum differ from Ipecacuanha for nausea?
Ipecac centres on constant nausea with a clean tongue not relieved by vomiting, while Tabacum centres on deathly, sweaty travel-sickness nausea that eases with cold, fresh air and uncovering the abdomen.
How is Tabacum usually taken?
As pillules, tablets or drops in low potencies such as 6C or 30C. Follow the pack directions, and see a health professional for persistent vomiting or dizziness.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.