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NIGHTSHADE (Common)
SOLANUM NIGRUM Be sure you do not mistake the Deadly Nightshade for this plant. This is an annual plant growing only about a foot (3o cm) high with broad, pointed leaves that are soft and full of juice. The flowers are white with yellow anthers and are followed by greenish berries which go black as they ripen. Also called Black Nightshade. Where to find it: Under walls, by paths and at the sides of hedges and fields. It is often found growing on rubbish heaps. Flowering time: Midsummer to mid autumn. Astrology: A cool saturnine plant. Medicinal virtues: It is used to cool hot inflammations, either inwardly or outwardly. It is in no way dangerous, as most of the Nightshades are, but must be used moderately. The safest way to take it internally is as the distilled water of the whole herb. The juice with vinegar is good for an inflamed mouth and throat. The juice of the herb or berries with Oil of Roses and a little vinegar and ceruse beaten together in a lead mortar is used to anoint all hot inflammations in the eyes. It does good for the shingles and ringworm and all running, fretting and corroding ulcers. A pessary dipped into the juice and dropped into the matrix, stays the immoderate flow of the courses. A cloth moistened in the juice and applied to the testicles, and any swelling therein, gives ease. Modern uses: There is controversy regarding the poisonous nature of this plant and this is probably due to the amount of toxic substance, solanine, varying in strength from season to season. It is definitely not recommended for domestic use. The berries are poisonous to children. Homoeopaths make a tincture as a remedy for epilepsy. Used externally, the bruised fresh leaves are analgesic and anti-inflammatory. |