| BITTER SWEET SOLANUM DULCAMARA It is good to remove witchcraft both in men and beast, and all sudden diseases whatsoever. A climbing plant, it grows to a man's height, or even higher. Also known as Mortal, Woody Nightshade, Felon-wort and Amara Dulcis, it bears many longish and pointed leaves which fall off at the approach of winter. It produces berries which are toxic. Where to find it: Moist and shady places. It twines itself around hedgerow plants. Flowering time: Midsummer. The berries ripen towards the end of the summer. Astrology: I t is under the planet of Mercury. Medicinal virtues: Being tied about the neck it is a remedy for vertigo or dizziness of the head. The Germans hang it about the necks of their cattle when they fear any evil bath betided them. Country people bruised the berries and applied them to felons, thereby ridding their fingers of such troublesome guests. Modern uses: This is a narcotic, diuretic, expectorant and depurative. The plant contains toxic alkaloids and in overdosage it will paralyze the central nervous system. It is, therefore, not recommended for domestic use and it is not widely used professionally. The herb was an official medicine until 1907, the twigs and root-bark being the parts used. The action of the medicine is to increase skin and kidney function. It has, therefore, been used for obstinate skin diseases and rheumatism. A decoction is made from the fluid extract. Ten teaspoonfuls of extract are added to 2 pt (1.1 1) of water which is boiled down to 1 Pt (568 ml). The dosage is 1/2.-2 fl Oz (14-56 ml) in milk two to three times a day. Homoeopathic physicians prepare their own medicine from the leaves, flowers and berries of other species of Solanum. |
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