- Origin
- North America (Central America), South America (now throughout the tropics)
- Sanskrit
- Dattura
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Folk magic and herbal magic
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 481
Datura metel
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Thorn apple
Datura metel
Traditionally attributed effects: narcotic, pain-relieving, antispasmodic (like belladonna); compress for rheumatic swellings, lumbago, sciatica, nerve pain, painful tumours; leaves and seeds for asthma and whooping cough; liniment for painful menstruation.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Highly poisonous. 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: Highly poisonous. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Thorn apples contain atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. In Ayurveda (dhattura) they were used after purification for asthma, with the leaf being smoked. In Mexico the related toloache is a plant of love magic and visions, and among many indigenous peoples of North America datura belonged to initiation rites. Poisonings still occur regularly. Sanskrit name: Dattura.
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
Narcotic, pain-relieving, antispasmodic (like belladonna); compress for rheumatic swellings, lumbago, sciatica, nerve pain, painful tumours; leaves and seeds for asthma and whooping cough; liniment for painful menstruation.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: powder, oil, compress, liniment.
Caution: Highly poisonous. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Salve and balmCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen