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HENBANE (Common) HYOSCYAMUS NIGER The leaves applied as a warm fomentation are good fo swellings of the testicles or women's breasts. Henbane has large, thick, soft, woolly leaves, thick stalks two or three feet (60 to 90 cm) high, and hollow deadish yellow flowers with purplish veins. The root is white and thick, very like Parsnip. The whole plant has an offensive smell. Where to find it: It can be found in hedgerows, waysides, waste ground and on banks. Flowering time: Summer. Astrology: This herb is under the dominion of Saturn. Medicinal virtues: The leaves cool inflammations of the eyes, and any part of the body, if they be boiled in wine and applied. It also assuages the pain of the gout, the sciatica and other pains in the joints which arise from a cold cause. Applied with vinegar to the temples and forehead, it helps the headache and want of sleep in hot fevers. The juice of the herb or seed does the same. The oil of the seed is good for deafness, noise and worms in the ears, being dropped there. The decoction of the herb or seed kills lice in man or beast. This herb must never be taken inwardly. It is altogether an outward medicine. Goat's milk, Honey water and Mustard-seed are among the best antidotes when Henbane has been taken inwardly. Modern uses.. Henbane is a poisonous plant which is listed as an official medicine in the British Pharmacopoeia. It is sedative and analgesic, depressing the brain and producing drowsiness. It has been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Linctuses and mixtures, prepared pharmaccutically, and containing Henbane, are prescribed for asthma and whooping cough. It is not to be used except on medical prescription. |
