Black nightshade

Solanum nigrum

Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, calming, induces sweating and urination, expectorant; for oedema, chronically enlarged liver, jaundice, chronic skin diseases, coughing up blood, haemorrhoids, kidney and bladder inflammation, gonorrhoea, eye diseases; pain-relieving wash.

Safety notes

Berries poisonous (solanine). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Ayurvedic materia medica: Berries poisonous (solanine). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Preparation

Tea 15–25 ml; fruit powder 1–2 g; decoction 28–56 ml; as a vegetable; decoction as a wash.

Use in traditions

Dioscorides described the plant as strychnos kepaios. In Ayurveda (kakamachi) and Unani medicine (makoh) it is used for liver complaints and skin diseases. In Africa and India the cooked leaves are eaten as a vegetable; unripe berries are poisonous because of solanine. Sanskrit name: Kakamachi.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Cleansing, calming, induces sweating and urination, expectorant; for oedema, chronically enlarged liver, jaundice, chronic skin diseases, coughing up blood, haemorrhoids, kidney and bladder inflammation, gonorrhoea, eye diseases; pain-relieving wash.

Preparation and amount

Tea 15–25 ml; fruit powder 1–2 g; decoction 28–56 ml; as a vegetable; decoction as a wash.

Caution: Berries poisonous (solanine). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Europe →