Cocculus indicus, native to India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, is a poisonous climbing plant, with ash-colored corky bark. The flowers has fruits that are round and kidney shaped. Extreme care must be taken when handling this plant as very little contact can be fatal. The berries of this plant were scattered in streams by indigenous people to stun the fish so that they are easier to catch. Other names for the fruit of this plant are fishberry or Levant nut. The “small, yellowish-white, sweet-scented” flowers vary between 6 to 10 centimeters across.
Cocculus indicus is used as a homeopathy medicine and is a traveler's best friend when the train, boat, and bumpy plane or automobile makes you feel weak and standing up is not a friendly prospect. It has proved very helpful for individuals drained by stress and tension. Motion sickness, vertigo, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, jet lag and even a nasty lower back pain may all be working against you until you remember to take Cocculus Indicus. Cocculus indicus can also be used for weakness, numbness, and sensitivity to noise. People often exhibit sadness and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms often worsen with motion, talking, smoking, and thought of food.