The medicinal properties of Atropa Belladonna can quickly be over shadowed by the poisonous properties. If used in the right amounts, Belladonna is an extremely effective analgesic and antispasmodic. Strangely, it is also a common antidote to poisoning from certain types of mushroom, some insecticides and even nerve gas.
History of Atropa Belladonna
In the 16th century in Italy, many women would put the sap from a Belladonna plant into their eyes. It would dilate their pupils and give them what was referred to as a dark eyed brilliance that was thought to be irresistible to men. Nowadays, we still use Belladonna in a similar, yet less esthetic, manner.
Common Medicinal Uses For Atropa Belladonna
Today Belladonna is a powerful smooth muscle relaxant, and as such, the alkaloids of the Belladonna plant are used to dilate the pupils prior to an eye examination or operations.
Belladonna is also used to relax the smooth muscle of the stomach, the small intestine and the bile ducts, relieving pain and preventing spasm. It is also widely used for the treatment of asthma, as it relaxes the smooth muscle of the bronchi and makes breathing easier. Atropine, one of the major Alkaloids in Belladonna, is an effective remedy for whooping cough, hay fever, bradycardia, and Parkinson’s. It works on the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls our involuntary processes such as digestion, breathing and regulating heart beat. It works by first exciting the nervous system and then depressing it.
Who Would Benefit From This Herbal Supplement?
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease have found relief from tremors, paralysis and improvements in both speech and motility with the use of Belladonna. It can also be used as a local anesthetic in both herbal and conventional medicine.
In Homeopathic preparations, the toxic effects of Belladonna are diluted to a point they are no longer of concern. Homeopaths often prescribe Belladonna for children who are feverish with a hot, red or flushed face and glazed over eyes. It is also often prescribed to alleviate a restless sleep, for neuralgic pain or convulsive movements.
Taking Atropa Belladonna
Atropine is among one of the more well known alkaloids in the group known as anticholinergics. As mentioned earlier, conventional medicine carefully uses Atropine to restore heart function and it is commonly administered during CPR. Again, the therapeutic dose must be used cautiously, as it can easily become fatal.
As a plant, as little as 5 berries can be fatal for children and one small leaf can poison an adult. The leaf and roots of a Belladonna plant can be dried and powdered or made into a dry or liquid extract, such as an alcohol extract or tincture.
An adult dose of total alkaloids at or under 1.8 m/day in divided doses, not exceeding .6 mg total alkaloids in a single dose, has been found safe. The dosage for children will vary, so be sure to consult your MD or Naturopath before using Belladonna. Individuals with a nightshade allergy (bell peppers, potatoes, eggplant) should also avoid Belladonna. Even at dilute concentrations, Belladonna may cause redness of the skin, flushing, dry skin, hives and sun sensitivity. Be careful when going out into the sun unprotected if using Belladonna or Atropine containing medications.
Cautions & Side Effects
Anticholinergic drugs and herbs interact with many other prescribed medications. Speak with your MD, Naturopath or Pharmacist before starting any antichoinergic medication. It is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
