Belladonna is a medicinal plant that is one of those that are extremely poisonous. Its poison was once used as an intoxicant. Belladonna is not used as a medicinal plant, it is only used in homeopathy.
Occurrence and cultivation of belladonna
Children are particularly tempted to eat the shiny fruits of belladonna. Greatest caution is required, because an intake of only ten berries can already lead to death. Belladonna is also known by the synonyms deadly nightshade, witchweed and poison berry. Belladonna is a plant from the genus of the nightshade family. The herbaceous plant reaches a height of growth between 30 centimeters and one meter. Rarely glabrous to slightly hairy shoot systems (rhizomes) form on the sides. The pubescence of the plant can occur in three different types. These are long-stalked and have unicellular, or multicellular heads. The exception is the trichome type. Here, oily secretions emerge from the protective layer. Subsequently, the head cells are shed and replaced by new cells. The leaves of the perennial deadly nightshade are ovate and acuminate. The flowers of the poisonous berry have a brownish tone and are located under the leaves. Black, shiny fruits that taste sweet and bitter develop from the flowers. The flowers can be admired between June and August. The fruits contain many small seeds that are dispersed by birds. Belladonna is native to North Africa, Asia and Central Europe. Preferably, the medicinal plant thrives in soils containing gneiss and lime, which are particularly rich in nutrients. Forest clearings and forest edges are the perfect location for belladonna.
Effect and application
In medicinal medicine, only the herb and root of belladonna are used. In homeopathy, it may happen that the entire plant is used. Collected is the herb between June and July and the root can be harvested between June and August. Its plant parts are used for a wide variety of diseases. Belladonna gained importance as a remedy not only 500 years ago. Since the plant induces a state similar to intoxication, it helped create the witchcraft myth. Today, the poisonous belladonna can also be used in reduced quantities in naturopathy and homeopathy. The antispasmodic effect has proved particularly useful in the gastrointestinal tract, and belladonna is also administered for gallbladder complaints. The anti-inflammatory effect of belladonna helps with headaches and severe fever. When suffering from menstrual cramps and spasms, a preparation with belladonna is administered to counteract the cramps on a natural basis. In the case of a nervous condition, taking it can cancel out or greatly reduce the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system. In general, the use of belladonna is very controversial and its use is not recommended. In homeopathy, however, some applications are known. Most often, an application of belladonna is in the form of a tincture. The tincture is made from the freshly squeezed juice of the whole plant. Depending on the type of ailment, one to two drops of the tincture are diluted with water and applied. The procedure can be repeated every two to three hours. Belladonna juice can be obtained from the juice of the berries of belladonna. This tastes very sweet and is poisonous. Taking the juice should be done only under professional dosage and not on your own. Externally, an ointment with belladonna as its content can be used for tumors or eye diseases. In people suffering from asthma belladonna is a component of espic’s chest cigarette. Cherry extract is also contained in filter paper. For internal use, only the powder obtained from the leaves and roots is used. In standardized combination preparations of homeopathy belladonna is a diversely used ingredient. Belladonna is very popular as a drug due to the hallucinations produced at an increased dosage. Here, the fruit is boiled as a tea.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
It is important to note that belladonna is very poisonous because of its high atropine content. In any case, it should not be taken pure.Symptoms of poisoning after eating belladonna fruit or other components of the plant are dry mouth, flushing of the face and palpitations. Paralysis of the parasympathetic nervous system follows. Restlessness, difficulty swallowing, and insomnia occur a few hours afterward. External glands, such as the sweat gland, are blocked and nausea and vomiting are suppressed. Toxic components remain in the body and hallucinations occur. The intoxicating effects wear off and a deep sleep ensues, which in the worst case can end in death. Children are especially tempted to consume the shiny fruits. Greatest caution is advised, because eating just ten berries can lead to death. If you decide to do therapy with belladonna, be sure to consult with a doctor. Take only homeopathic medicines to which belladonna is added as a preparation. In pharmacies there is a wide range of medicines with the ingredient of belladonna. Expert advice is also available on site. When buying, pay attention to the exact mixture and dosage of the drug. Basically, a drug with the ingredient of belladonna requires a prescription. If you take a preparation with belladonna, strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage. Do not consume a berry found on the edge of a forest.
