Native to Europe and portions of the Middle East, Atropa belladonna also grows in the United States through cultivation. The plant is a woody perennial, reaching five feet in height and bearing small violet blossoms that develop into dark blue/black berries. Belladonna tincture is made by soaking the roots and leaves in a combination of alcohol and water, and the formulation is available online and in some health food stores. Tincture of belladonna is a toxin and can cause serious side effects or death. Avoid use unless supervised by a doctor.
History
Used to poison enemies during the Parthian wars, a few drops of belladonna, also called deadly nightshade, was secretly added to wine or other drinking liquids. The drug rendered the unsuspecting person unconscious, making it easy to kill him, according to the website Botanical.com. Steeped in folklore, belladonna was once associated with evil entities and witches. Despite its toxicity, belladonna was valuable as an anesthesia and a sleep aid.
Constituents
Tincture of belladonna contains alkaloids that produce both its medicinal benefits and its poisonous properties. These alkaloids include hyoscyamine, scopolamine, torpine, apoatropine and pseudotropine. The levels of these compounds will vary from one batch of tincture to the next, since there is no regulatory oversight of the production of this herbal remedy. Plants picked past their prime, alcohol strength, and the ratio of herb to liquid may all affect the strength of the tincture. Do not consume homemade tincture of belladonna.
Medicinal Uses
Tincture of belladonna, made from only the leaves of the plant, may be beneficial in treating gastrointestinal spasms, heart disease, stomach pain and muscular pain. Folk medicine uses include the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as asthma or bronchitis, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicines. Clinical studies confirming these benefits are lacking.
Method
The Gale encyclopedia recommends the use of belladonna tincture or liquid extract only under the supervision of a knowledgeable medical professional. A single standard dose is 0.01g for adults. Do not give this herbal remedy to a child. Store the preparation away from light at 30 C.
Warning
Overdose of tincture of belladonna can be fatal. The website Drugs.com warns that anyone with a history of kidney disease, glaucoma, colitis or an intestinal blockage should avoid this tincture. Consuming tincture of belladonna may result in blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. Drinking alcohol may increase the side effects. Taking tincture of belladonna increases the risk of heat stroke. Symptoms of overdose include headache, vomiting, anxiety, confusion and convulsions. These are signs of a medical emergency, advises Drugs.com. Avoid taking tincture of belladonna unless directed to do so by your doctor.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D., 2000
- Botanical.com: Deadly Nightshade
- Drugs.com: Belladonna Tincture
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