Belladonna is a homeopathic remedy obtained from the homonymous plant, useful against colds, sore throat, and exanthematous diseases in children. Belladonna (Atropa is also a Greek goddess with the power to break the thread of life), scientific name Atropa Belladonna, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Solanaceae family.
The homeopathic remedy Belladonna is obtained from dilutions of the main tincture of the entire plant Atropa belladonna, interspersed with dynamizations when it begins to bloom.
The plant grows in the mountainous regions of Central Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Although they have a sweet and pleasant taste, the whole plant and its fruits are poisonous: Ingesting only some can cause death.
This essential plant contains three alkaloids, which are its active ingredients. These are atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. Atropine performs sedative and anesthetic activities by acting on the parasympathetic nervous system. However, it is hazardous because it is a lethal substance. It is still used today in ophthalmology to dilate the pupils to observe the fundus.
Hyoscyamine is a central nervous system stimulant. Scopolamine is a central nervous system depressant. Both have antispasmodic abilities. Parts of the plant (leaves, roots, seeds) in appropriate doses work well in the treatment of the following patients:
- Asthma (detailed information about Asthma post)
- Neuralgia
- Headache
- Rheumatic and muscle pains
- Spasms
- Various diseases, such as gastrointestinal and biliary colic
When is Belladonna used?
This plant is a suitable remedy for all problems in which the nervous system is strongly stimulated. Warmth, redness, and burning are the three most common prominent symptoms.
These are diseases with localized or generalized congestion, the symptoms of redness, burning and throbbing pain, overstimulation of all senses, usually fever, sometimes with delirium and hallucination, in an acute, sudden and severe form.
One of its most common uses is for respiratory diseases. It is also a cure for exanthematous diseases that spread rapidly in children. This plant often uses the following situations:
- Respiratory system, especially for people who get cold quickly after cutting their hair or leaving their heads uncovered. Colds, cough, flu, or fever and ailments are affecting the throat.
- In case of ear inflammation, pain, parotitis
- Eye conjunctivitis, pupil dilation
- Exanthematous diseases such as measles and rubella
- Genital discomfort, early or late periods, dry vagina, hot flashes, swollen, inflamed, or hard breasts
- The nervous system, convulsions, epilepsy, neuralgia, hallucinations, insomnia, depression, headache
- Skin problems, eczema, acne, rash (Check out the post about Eczema)
- Gastrointestinal system problems, colitis, colic, constipation
- Common joint pain, toothache, swollen and red gums
Who should use Belladonna?
This plant is especially suitable for those who are very sensitive to cold and cannot stand being naked. Also, the drug has no depth of action; it doesn’t penetrate the body enough, and its effect lasts several days.
What are the harms of the Belladonna?
This plant has many medicinal properties, but you should not forget that all parts of the plant are highly poisonous. Doctors currently prescribe it for many diseases, so you should not consume it without a doctor’s prescription as it can cause severe poisoning.
Due to the cherry-like fruit of its fruit, you should keep it out of the reach of children because if children eat it, it can cause their death. Symptoms of Belladonna poisoning include redness of the face, dilated pupils, bright and large eyes, headache, delirium, foaming at the mouth, and lack of balance and mobility.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-531/belladonna
What is Belladonna used for?
This plant has been used as an adjunct in alternative medicine or homeopathic therapy to treat arthritis pain, cold symptoms, asthma-induced bronchospasms, nerve problems, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Is Belladonna Poisonous to Humans?
This plant is a poisonous plant. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before using this herb.
