Sample, sample of ipecacuanha root contained in a glass jar

A sample of ipecacuanha root imported through the St Katherine Docks in London, from Rio de Janeiro. Ipecacuanha has been used for centuries as an emetic, and was traditionally known to the Tupi people as the 'road-side sick-making plant'. It has been used particularly to induce vomiting after the ingestion of poisons. But from the 18th century onwards it was the main ingredient of Dovers Powders which was used to treat colds and fever. During the Napoleonic Wars Dovers Powders were also taken with port wine as a treatment for dysentery.