Belladonna: medicinal properties and contraindications

The healing qualities of belladonna are used in both folk and official medicine. This plant has been used for over a millennium. Its popularity is due to the fact that there is an atropine alkaloid, which is endowed with many useful properties. But, at the same time, belladonna is a poisonous plant, it can even lead to death.

Chemical composition

Useful and harmful qualities of this herb are determined by the presence of a rich chemical composition. In the wolf berry there are alkaloids that have a high degree of bioactivity. In small doses, the plant has a therapeutic effect, and in high concentrations it negatively affects the body.

As part of this plant component, steroids, phenols, acids of organic origin, alkaloids, flavonoids, various minerals and mucus were found. Of the vitamins there are tocopherol, ascorbic acid, etc.

How it looks and where it grows

The belladonna ordinary is a perennial plant that is a member of the nightshade family. It is also called belladonna or wolfberry. In ancient times, grass was used to obtain cosmetics, and is now widely used in the medical field. In Italy, the squeeze from this plant was instilled into the eyes. This was done to dilate the pupils. It was believed that in this way the look is more attractive.

Belladonna grows in European regions, in the Caucasus, in Asian countries, as well as in western Ukraine. As for the Russian Federation, it is found here in the Crimea. The culture grows on fertile forest soils, prefers a humid climate when winters are snowy and summers are cool. You can meet belladonna in oak and fir forests. It can grow singly, as well as in the form of small thickets. Most often, the culture chooses for growth areas near rivers, forest edges.

1. The stem of belladonna can reach up to 0.9 m. Branched shoots are characterized by a greenish, in some cases purple color.
2. The leaves of the grass are large, painted in a saturated green color, have a pointed shape. Also, they are characterized by the presence of a narcotic smell.
3. In the axils of the leaves are flowers. Inflorescences have a brown-violet color, paler closer to the base.
4. The root system of the grass is quite powerful. In the first year, a strong core appears, from which a branchy rhizome subsequently develops.

As for the fruits, it should be noted that in their shape they resemble cherries. They differ only in color. So, belladonna berries are saturated purple, and sometimes even black. The fruits have a shiny shell, are juicy, but very poisonous berries.

Kinds

There are many varieties of belladonna vulgaris. So, in India and in the Himalayas pointed belladonna grows. In the Pyrenees and Beth Mountains you can meet the belladonna Betis.

The following types are considered the most famous:

1. Demoiselle ordinary, the height of which can be up to 90 cm, has a high stem and leaves of light green color. Distributed in European regions, as well as in North America. This product is used to treat gastritis and bronchial asthma.
2. Caucasian belladonna may reach a length of 1.2 m. The flowers are colored in purple, and the leaves have a light green color. This variety grows mainly in the Caucasus.In recipes of traditional medicine is quite rare, it is used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Collection and storage

For therapeutic purposes, almost all parts of the plant are used. As for the leaves, they must be collected manually 3-4 times per season. Dry them in a well-ventilated area. It is better to cut off the lower leaves at the beginning of flowering, until the stem branches.

You can collect raw materials from the grown branches at the end of flowering. During the period of seed formation, the plant mows at a height of 10 cm from the ground. Mowed grass must be cut into pieces, and then sent for drying. If the leaves need to be crushed to a powdery consistency, the veins should not be thrown away, since it is in them that the bulk of the alkaloids accumulate, compared with the pulp. Typically, the entire sheet is completely processed to produce powder.

In autumn, when the last mowing is carried out, you can dig out the roots. This part of the plant needs to be washed, cut into pieces along and dried. You can do this in the air.

It should be remembered that the collection of this raw material should be carried out with gloves. After collecting the belladonna raw materials, wash your hands thoroughly.

Dry the grass immediately after harvesting. To do this, it is enough to spread the belladonna leaves on a flat surface in a dark, ventilated place. It is best to use an attic for this. Belladonna should be protected from direct sunlight.

Dried raw materials are stored in large bags. The shelf life of such a product is 2 years.

The healing properties of belladonna

The use of wolfberry in folk medicine has become an ulterior motive. This is due to the fact that it is characterized by a number of useful qualities. First of all, it should be noted that the components in the composition of the grass tone the body, increase physical and mental activity. This leads to the fact that a person has increased efficiency. In addition, belladonna is able to cope with various serious pathologies. You can use such a product both in the form of an independent drug, as well as in combination with the main drug treatment.

1. So, spasmolytic qualities can be distinguished from the healing properties of belladonna extract. Atropine in the composition of the plant relaxes smooth muscles. As a result of this, spasms of the stomach, bronchi, urinary tract and uterus are stopped.
2. Also, the grass is able to inhibit the secretion of glandular organs, that is, it reduces the formation of saliva, reduces sweating and the intensity of the synthesis of gastric juice. Thanks to this product, you can get rid of cramping, pain and discomfort in the digestive tract. Moreover, the grass helps to accelerate the treatment of various diseases of this system, namely gastritis, pancreatitis, colitis.
3. The plant speeds up the heartbeat. This property is useful for bradycardia, but very dangerous for tachycardia.
4. Belladonna-based drugs stimulate the respiratory center. They have an overwhelming effect on bronchospasm, stop cough. It is important to know that an overdose of such medications can cause respiratory paralysis.
5. Due to its therapeutic properties belladonna is a multifunctional tool. Often it is included in a number of homeopathic medicines. The main advantage of such compounds is their natural origin, which allows them to be purchased at an optimal cost.
6. The main indications for the use of belladonna-based medicinal formulations are endocrine disorders. Thus, this plant is recommended for the treatment of patients who have increased secretion of certain glands. For example, belladonna medicines can be used for hyperhidrosis caused by thyroid dysfunctions.
7. This plant is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as vegetovascular dystonia. In addition, drugs from belladonna are used to eliminate depressive conditions.
8. The belladonna is effective in the treatment of pathologies of the urinary system and hemorrhoids.Suppositories with plant extract can relieve spasms of the anus and urethra.
9. The belladonna is shown in eliminating intoxication caused by antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, mushrooms, etc.
10. Also, the plant is useful for the cardiovascular system. Belladonna improves cardiac conduction, increases heart rate and eliminates muscle cramps. In some cases, preparations based on this plant are used for bradycardia and angina pectoris.
11. Since belladonna has the ability to dilate the pupils, it has become popular in ophthalmology. This property of the culture is used if necessary to expand the pupils during the diagnosis of eye diseases.

For women

1. Belladonna is used for various disorders of the endocrine system. Also, the culture is included in various homeopathic formulations, which are indicated for mastitis and other gynecological ailments.
2. It is also known the use of a plant component in the cosmetology sphere, namely in the elimination of age spots.
3. The tool helps to strengthen the protective functions of the body, but it is very important to observe the dosage in order to avoid poisoning.
4. Earlier belladonna was used by girls to rub their cheeks, resulting in a blush.
5. This plant is prescribed for painful menstruation, as well as in cases where a woman has a cyst, a tumor, and other pathologies. Belladonna is an effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. With proper use, blood circulation in the pelvic organs is restored, which leads to a decrease in pain.

For men

The male half of the plant is rarely used, most often it is used to combat pathologies of the digestive tract. It should be noted that the use of belladonna-based drugs increases physical stamina and brain activity.

For kids

Experts do not recommend using this plant in childhood, since it is poisonous and can provoke various complications. For a child, even a small dose of such a product can be dangerous.

During pregnancy

The possibility of treating various pathologies with the help of belladonna while carrying a child is decided only by a specialist after an individual consultation. The use of these drugs is allowed only in cases where the therapeutic properties of the herb exceed the possible harm to the female body.

The use of belladonna before birth is shown. This is necessary to relax the cervix, which helps to reduce the likelihood of complications during childbirth.

When breastfeeding

As for the period of breastfeeding, belladonna is strictly contraindicated for use by women with lactation. This is due to the fact that the plant is very dangerous for the child.

Belladonna in folk medicine

There are many folk recipes in which this plant is used. However, they should be prepared with extreme caution, in compliance with dosages and instructions. This will protect the person and avoid various complications and side effects.

1. To treat gastritis and hemorrhoids, a tincture should be prepared. To do this, pour dried crushed raw materials with 40% alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. The composition should be infused for 7 days in a warm, but protected from sunlight. After that, pass the fluid through the filter. The solution should turn out to be red-brown in color, bitter in taste. The resulting tool to take 1 tsp. Once a day.
2. To increase efficiency, you can prepare a special decoction. This will require 20 g of dry grass root and 0.5 l of water.Combine both ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes. After this, strain the liquid. Take medicine 50 ml 1-2 times a day. The result from the use of such a tool is felt almost immediately.
3. It is believed that if belladonna leaves are applied to tumors in the mammary glands, this will reduce the neoplasm and improve the condition of the woman. In this case, healers also recommend taking tincture based on belladonna leaves inside.
4. The culture in question is known to be effective in the treatment of prostatitis. For this, you can use candles of both industrial production and self-made. Nevertheless, doctors believe that for the treatment of prostatitis, it is necessary to use more effective drugs than herbal preparations.
5. In Parkinson's disease, a drug based on belladonna allows you to minimize trembling of the limbs, as well as normalize sleep and the general condition of a person with such a diagnosis. In this case, for medicinal purposes, a decoction prepared from the underground part of the plant is used. Already several receptions of the prepared broth will help reduce the symptoms of pathology.
6. To prepare the healing composition you will need 30 g of the root of the plant, 1 coffee cup of activated carbon and 600 ml of dry white wine. First, grind the grass root with a coffee grinder, and then mix it with activated charcoal. After that, add white wine and boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Next, cool and filter the solution a little. Take the finished product for 1 tsp. three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 3 days.
7. In the presence of edema, redness, severe pain in the joints, sciatica, fractures, bruises and dislocations, you can also use a decoction from the root of belladonna. For this you need only 100 g of raw materials and a glass of water. First grind the root of the plant, and then pour it with a mug of boiling water. Next, simmer for a quarter of an hour. After that, cool the solution and pass through the filter. The resulting preparation should be used for rubbing and applying compresses.
8. If a kidney stone disease is found in a person, it is necessary to prepare a tincture from the leaves of the culture. This will relieve pain. Of the ingredients you will need 10 g of belladonna leaves and 100 ml of alcohol, the concentration of which is 96%. The cooking process begins with chopping the leaves. After this, the resulting raw materials are placed in dishes made of dark glass. Then pour belladonna with alcohol. Now tightly close the lid of the vessel and hide it for a week in a dark place. After the specified period, filter the liquid and drain into another bottle. Take a composition of 5-10 drops for severe pain.
9. To normalize sleep, it is recommended to take a tincture of vodka. To prepare a healing solution, it is necessary to pour 20 g of crushed leaves into 200 ml of vodka. Place the container with the solution in a dark place and insist 3 weeks. The finished composition should be taken 10 drops twice a day. The maximum dose should not exceed 20 drops per day.
10. With asthma attacks and a debilitating dry cough, a powder made from belladonna leaves will help. Such a tool can be purchased at a pharmacy or get it yourself. To do this, only 10 g of dried leaves of grass is ground into powder. Take this remedy 1 pinch 3 times a day before meals. The duration of treatment is 10 days. This composition facilitates breathing and helps relieve spasms.
11. As mentioned above, belladonna preparations are also effective for heart diseases. To restore normal heart rate, expand blood vessels and eliminate aching pain in the chest, it is recommended to prepare a decoction based on this plant. To do this, you need 300 ml of water and 10 g of culture leaves. First grind the raw materials and pour boiling water over it. After this, cover the mixture and insist for 2 hours. After cooling, strain the solution. Take this composition for 1 tsp. 3 times a day before meals.The dose can be increased every day by 0.5 tsp until it reaches 1 tbsp. After that, reduce the dose in the reverse order.
12. Decoction of belladonna roots is taken to soften the cervix before childbirth, as well as for the treatment of some gynecological diseases. To prepare a healing solution, you will need 5 g of grass root and 100 ml of water. To start, grind the root, and then pour hot water. Cook the mixture under the lid over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Filter the cooled solution and use after 2 hours. Take the drug for 1 tbsp. before meals. Also, the resulting solution can be used chilled for douching.
13. Preparations based on the studied plant will help normalize the activity of the intestines, namely, to cope with diarrhea. To do this, you need to prepare an infusion of belladonna leaves. In this case, grind 10 g of leaves, and then combine with a glass of vodka. To insist such a vodka preparation for a week. After this, strain the liquid and pour into a vessel of dark glass. Take the finished drug 5 drops after a meal several times a day.

Experts say that the safest are homeopathic remedies and ointments obtained from this raw material, as they differ in their combined composition and contain components of the toxic substance in small concentrations.

Types of healing compounds

There are several options for using wolfberry for therapeutic purposes. Each of these methods has certain nuances. Pharmaceutical plants make various preparations containing belladonna components. But medicinal formulations prepared at home from the same plant also have the same effectiveness. For example, to cure hemorrhoids or get rid of diseases of the genitourinary system, you can use candles. Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and endocrine origin can be eliminated by taking a bell-based decoction. An ointment will help with joint pain. For neurological pathologies, the use of alcohol-based tinctures is indicated. Belladonna powder is more often used in the treatment of bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Infusion

The belladonna infusion will help normalize blood pressure and protect a person from the development of cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic effect is achieved with the expansion of blood vessels. In some cases, such a tool is used to reduce pain in the sternum.

To get tinctures, you need 300 ml of water and 10 g of belladonna raw materials. First you need to grind the leaves of the plant, place them in a deep container and pour hot water. Cover the dishes with a lid and leave for a couple of hours. After insisting, strain the solution. Take the finished product for 1 tsp. before bedtime. The indicated dosage should be increased daily by 0.5 tsp, however, take more than 1 tbsp. no drug.

Tincture

To prepare the tincture, you will need a glass of vodka and 2 tbsp. leaves of grass. The method of preparation is as follows: place the medicinal plant material in a glass container and pour vodka. During the week, the mixture should be infused in a dark place. After 7 days, filter the tincture and take 10 drops, while diluting the specified amount of liquid with water.

From the healing properties of tinctures, an antispasmodic effect can be distinguished. In addition, the resulting composition will help to cope with flatulence and diarrhea.

To get rid of bitterness in tincture, it is recommended to add 1 tsp. honey. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is important to follow the composition manufacturing algorithm. You should also consider the dosage regimen. In case of an overdose, side effects may appear.

Decoction

To get a decoction, you need 5 g of wolfberry leaves, 0.1 g of activated carbon and 100 ml of wine. All components must be combined in a small pan, and then put it on the stove. The product should boil for two hours. After that, remove the composition from the heat and insist a couple of hours. Strain the medicine before use. Drink 1 tsp. per day.

Ointment

The extract of this medicinal plant material can be found in various pharmaceutical preparations. To cure cracks in the anus and external hemorrhoids, you can prepare the ointment yourself at home. To do this, you need only 25 g of belladonna leaves and 100 g of petroleum jelly.

Grind dry raw materials to a powdery consistency, then melt the petroleum jelly in a steam bath. Then mix the components until a uniform mixture is formed. Cool the mass and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For therapeutic purposes, apply the ointment to the anus during the week. This should be done after the act of defecation. The resulting medicine will help cope with pain, discomfort and inflammation.

Candles

Suppositories with belladonna have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, are used for hemorrhoidal and proctological diseases. Such a medication is prescribed for healing cracks in hemorrhoids, as well as after rectal surgery.

Suppositories are a remedy for the treatment of hemorrhoids, but it has been proven effective in the field of gynecology and gastroenterology. So, during pregnancy and before childbirth, the drug is used as an antiseptic and analgesic. It is also indicated for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhoids.

It is believed that suppositories with belladonna extract can be used during menstruation and in menopause. In this case, belladonna has a calming effect and helps to cope with female nervousness and increased irritability.

Butter

Belladonna oil is a thick mass of dark brown color with a specific smell. It contains alkaloids, which reduce the production of sweat, bronchial, digestive, lacrimal glands. The use of such a drug leads to dilated pupil and increased intraocular pressure. In addition, the tool helps to relax the smooth muscles of the intestine, as well as the biliary and urinary tract. Such a product is obtained by extracting nutrients from the leaves with a mixture of water and alcohol.

Contraindications

Before using this product for medicinal purposes, you should read the instructions, namely the list of contraindications. The main restrictions on the use of this therapeutic agent include prostatic hypertrophy, pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding, tachycardia, glaucoma, coronary heart disease.

Medicines in which belladonna ordinary is present cannot be used for patients with hypersensitivity to their components.

When treating with belladonna-based drugs, it is important to be careful when driving vehicles and practicing various activities, where an increased concentration of attention and speed of psychomotor reactions are necessary.

Symptoms of belladonna poisoning

Such a plant as belladonna can bring not only benefits, but also harm to the human body. This is due to the fact that the composition of this culture contains toxic components. A substance such as atropine is considered dangerous. When it enters the body in large quantities, severe intoxication is observed. For this reason, it is very important to observe protective measures when working with wolfberry, namely, to use disposable gloves and a mask.It is important to note that the duration of treatment using belladonna-based drugs should not exceed 7 days.

Symptoms of poisoning with this product appear approximately 20 minutes after ingestion. One of the main unpleasant manifestations is dry mouth and dilated pupils. These are just the first symptoms. In the future, rashes appear on the skin, disturbances in the activity of the urinary system. In addition, in some cases, a person develops hallucinations, gagging, dizziness and general weakness.

If the concentration of a toxic substance has entered the human body in large quantities, it is disoriented in space. Along with this, the body temperature rises, the pulse weakens. Sometimes a person may even lose consciousness. In this condition, the risks of death are increased.

First aid for poisoning

In case of overdose and poisoning with belladonna, the most important is the provision of timely assistance. It is very important to immediately seek the help of a specialist. Before an ambulance arrives, vomiting is necessary to clear the gastrointestinal tract of hazardous components. In this case, you need to provide a person with a plentiful drink. As you know, activated carbon is characterized by excellent absorbent properties. In this case, it is necessary to grind 20 tablets to a powdery consistency and dilute with large amounts of water. The resulting solution should be taken as much as possible. If vomiting occurs, perform the procedure again.

If along with this there is a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath appears, it is necessary to take heart drops. When breathing stops, resuscitation is necessary. In severe cases, a person is placed in a hospital unit for further treatment.

Interesting facts about belladonna

1. It is believed that the belladonna received its Latin name "Atropa" thanks to the goddess of fate Atropa. When the years allotted to man came to an end, the goddess with the help of scissors cut the threads of life, after which the man died.
2. In addition, this name suggests that the plant contains toxic substances that poison people.
3. Wolfberry was considered magical grass. In the Middle Ages, people believed that the drug obtained with the addition of belladonna can make a witch out of a person.
4. For a long time, the plant was not used in folk medicine because of fear of its toxic components.
5. This flower was also called a "crazy plant", as it was used in the preparation of the broth that the ancient German warriors drank before the battles. Such a composition gave them strength and courage.
6. In the Middle Ages, most women used squeezed from this herb for instillation into the eyes. This led to an increase in the pupil, as a result of which the gaze became especially attractive.

Photo of belladonna grass