Black Henbane Dried Leaves & Stems

Description

Latin Name: Hyoscyamus Niger

The main active constituents of henbane are hyoscyamine (main ingredient), scopolamine and atropine, all highly toxic tropane alkaloids. The main healing properties of the herb are due to the sedative, analgesic and antispasmodic effect the substance hyoscyamine.

–  Henbane was used specifically for pain in the urinary tract, especially in the case of kidney stones.

–  The sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable remedy for Parkinson’s disease, where it relieves tremors and stiffness in the early stages of the disease.

–  The herb has also been used for a toothache and nervous disorders such as mania and hysteria.

–  The herb has been used as an herbal remedy for bronchitis because of its cough suppressant effect and the ability to clear the breathing passages from secretions.

–  In modern medicine the substance hyocin is used to treat seasickness and as a calming agent in patients preparing for surgery.

In the case of henbane the line between poison and remedy is very thin so it should not be used for self-medication.

Any treatment using the herb or isolated alkaloids from it should only be undertaken by skilled health care professionals.

Henbane is a dangerous and highly poisonous plant and it should never be used by pregnant or lactating women and children.

It can cause dizziness, nausea, dry mucous membranes in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, fever, hallucinations (often with erotic content), rapid pulse and respiration, increasing blood pressure, seizures, numbness and an urge to rest and sleep.

In severe cases the herb can be deadly, causing cardiac arrest or respiratory paralysis.

In any case you should consult with your healthcare doctor before using this particular herb.

Additional information