BELLADONA, DEADLY NITIGHTSHADE

Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae) HISTORY and USES Deadly nightshade is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. Herba bella dona, or "herb of the beautiful lady" is known for its poisonous effects (belladonna increases heartbeat and can lead to death), like many other plants it is an important and beneficial remedy when used correctly. Belladonna contains atropine used in conventional medicine to dilate the pupils for eye examinations and as an anesthetic. In herbal medicine, deadly nightshade is mainly prescribed to relieve intestinal colic, to treat peptic ulcers and to relax distended organs, especially the stomach and intestine. Deadly nightshade is also used as an anaesthetic in conventional medicine. MAIN PROPERTIES: Smooth muscle, antispasmodic, narcotic, reduces sweating, sedative.