The Use Of The Belladonna Herb

Belladonna, also known as "deadly nightshade," has a long history of human use despite its classification as a toxic and deadly plant. Belladonna is not classified by the FDA, but its alkaloids have been synthesized and can be found in several prescription medications. The plant also has a popular reputation for use in witchcraft, which may be based on a historical references from the Middle Ages.

History

Belladonna was used in medieval times by midwives to prevent miscarriages, says University of Barcelona historian Isabel Perez Molina. Belladonna may also have been applied topically as a salve with other psychoactive herbs to induce altered states of consciousness, including the "witches flight," says historian Carlo Ginzburg in his book "Ecstasies."

Effects

Belladonna contains psychoactive alkaloids that affect brain chemistry. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that these effects can include alterations of perception, hallucinations, and nervousness. As an anticholinergic--a substance that alters the levels of the neurotransmittor acetylcholine in the brain--belladonna can also cause drowsiness, confusion and trance. Ingesting the plant can cause mouth dryness, a rapid heartbeat, slurred speech and convulsion. The negative effects of belladonna practically guarantee it will never have a popular following despite its historical novelty.

Toxicity Dangers

The NIH also reports that belladonna is deadly toxic, especially for children. Just two fruits from the belladonna tree, known as "devil's cherries," contain a fatal dose of atropine for children. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has documented non-fatal overdoses as well, reporting three cases in 1994 due to the alkaloids of belladonna found in an herbal tea.

Medical Use

Belladonna derivatives are used in pharmaceuticals for treating symptoms of menopause, stomach cramping and throbbing headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Typically, these derivatives are combined with ergotamine and phenobarbital. Because no recent medical research has investigated the properties of belladonna alone, it is uncertain how powerful its role is.

Use in Homeopathy

Homeopathic use of belladonna appears to be safe; the dosage of belladonna constituents are minuscule and well below toxicity levels. Indeed, homeopathy treatments use healing "essences" that have been diluted in water multiple times and may not actually contain any of the original substance. A 2001 study reported in the "Journal of Psychosomatic Research" found no effects of homeopathic belladonna compared with placebo. In effect, medical researchers suggest that homeopathic belladonna is itself a placebo.