Hyoscyamus niger

Hyoscyamus niger
Family:Hyoscyamus niger; Anodyne; Anthelmintic; Antispasmodic; Antitumor; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Hallucinogenic; Hypnotic; Mydriatic; Narcotic; Sedative.
Common name:Henbane
Henbane has a very long history of use as a medicinal herb and has been widely cultivated to meet the demand for its use. It is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer and is specifically used for pain affecting the urinary tract especially when due to kidney stones. Its sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease relieving tremor and rigidity during the early stages of the disease. This species is the form generally considered best for external use whilst the white henbane (H. albus) is considered the most appropriate for internal use. All parts of the plant but especially the leaves and the seeds can be used - they are anodyne antispasmodic mildly diuretic hallucinogenic hypnotic mydriatic narcotic and sedative. The plant is used internally in the treatment of asthma whooping cough motion sickness Meniere's syndrome tremor in senility or paralysis and as a pre-operative medication. Henbane reduces mucous secretions as well as saliva and other digestive juices. Externally it is used as an oil to relieve painful conditions such as neuralgia dental and rheumatic pains.The leaves should be harvested when the plant is in full flower and they can then be dried for later use. There is an annual and a biennial form of this species both can be used medicinally but the biennial form is considered to be superior. This is a very poisonous plant that should be used with great caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity. The seed is used in the treatment of asthma cough epilepsy myalgia and toothache. The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine they are said to have a bitter acrid taste with a neutral and poisonous potency. Anthelmintic antitumor and febrifuge they are used in the treatment of stomach/intestinal pain due to worm infestation toothache inflammation of the pulmonary region and tumours.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:42 []