Belladonna

( Atropa belladonna )

For colic-like pains in the digestive tract and gallbladder, belladonna was most useful. It was used as an anti-spasmodic, suppressing muscle spasms and bringing sweet relief to the patient. It was also said to reduce excessive perspiration, which could alleviate menopausal sweats.

However, only qualified medical herbalists could prescribe it, as it is highly poisonous. Today, it is more commonly known by the names Deadly Nightshade, Banewort and Devil's Berry, and there have been tales of tragic deaths related to the plant.

Ladies of ancient Rome used the juice in eye drops to dilate the pupils, which was thought to increase attractiveness. In fact, that's where the name belladonna comes from.












THE INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ONLINE APOTHECARY OR ELSEWHERE ON THIS SITE IS FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS MEDICAL ADVICE, SUBSTITUTE FOR A DOCTOR'S GUIDANCE OR TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSING OR TREATING A DISEASE.




text via: http://www.starz.com/apothecary/apothecary.html