medicinal herbs
Henbane
Hyoscyamus niger

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• Common names

Herb: Henbane

Latin name: Hyoscyamus niger

Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family, Potato Family)

Medicinal use of 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.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

By the walls of fields, waste ground, near buildings and in stony places from low-lying ground near the sea to lower mountain slopes.

Other uses of Henbane:

The leaves scattered about a house will drive away mice.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow summer in a cold frame and pot on as soon as possible before the taproot is too long.

Cultivation of Henbane:

By the walls of fields, waste ground, near buildings and in stony places from low-lying ground near the sea to lower mountain slopes.

Known hazards of Hyoscyamus niger:

All parts of the plant are very toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma and death from heart or respiratory failure.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.