Gelsemium

Botanical

What is it

Gelsemium (Gelsemium sempervirens), commonly called yellow jessamine or Carolina jasmine, is a flowering vine native to the southeastern United States. It is toxic at conventional doses but used in homeopathy at extreme dilutions.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Anxiety / flu-like symptoms (homeopathic use)

Mixed Evidence

No evidence beyond placebo for homeopathic Gelsemium.

How it works

Gelsemium contains highly toxic indole alkaloids including gelsemine, gelsemicine, and sempervirine. These bind nervous system targets (gelsemine affects glycine receptors), producing convulsions, respiratory depression and cardiovascular collapse in overdose. Even small amounts of the raw plant can cause severe poisoning. In homeopathy, Gelsemium is sold at potencies (typically 6C, 30C and beyond) where no measurable molecules of the original substance remain; effects are based on homeopathic principles, not pharmacological activity. There is no clinical evidence of efficacy beyond placebo for homeopathic Gelsemium.

Dosage

Not recommended for unsupervised use. Conventional doses are highly toxic. Homeopathic doses are typically 5 pellets of 30C as directed.

When and how to take it

Homeopathic dosing is per practitioner instructions or product label.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Homeopathic dilution

Most common form sold.

Negligible measurable content above 12C.

Raw plant (not for use)

Historical pharmaceutical material.

Toxic.

Safety

Raw plant: severe toxicity, potentially fatal in small amounts. Symptoms include muscle weakness, vision disturbances, seizures, respiratory failure. Homeopathic dilutions are physically diluted to negligible content but are still labeled with the warning that they originate from a toxic plant.

Who should be cautious

Avoid raw Gelsemium entirely. Avoid homeopathic Gelsemium in pregnancy and breastfeeding without guidance.

Interactions

Raw plant: significant interactions with any CNS or cardiovascular medication. Homeopathic dilutions: no pharmacological interaction expected.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gelsemium safe?⌄

Raw plant is highly toxic. Homeopathic dilutions are physically safe but unproven.

Does homeopathic Gelsemium work?⌄

There is no credible scientific evidence beyond placebo.

References

Gelsemium on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Gelsemium on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Gelsemium (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Gelsemium with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.