- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and western Asia
- Traditions
- Folk magic and herbal magic
Europe · Herb · № 837
Atropa belladonna
Herb · Europe
Deadly nightshade (belladonna)
Atropa belladonna
A deadly poisonous plant. Its compound atropine is used in controlled form in modern medicine.
Safety notes
Deadly poisonous, especially the sweet-tasting berries for children. Do not use.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Western herbalism: Deadly poisonous; a few berries can kill a child.
Preparation
Do not use.
Use in traditions
The name belladonna, 'beautiful lady', comes from its use to dilate the pupils. Deadly nightshade often turns up in stories about witches and flying ointments.
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.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Women dripped the juice into their eyes to dilate the pupils; formerly used in small amounts for cramps and asthma. Atropine from the plant is a modern medicine.
Preparation and amount
Do not prepare or use it yourself.
Caution: Deadly poisonous; a few berries can kill a child.