 |
THORN-APPLE DATURA STRAMONIUM An ointment made from the leaves is cooling and repelling. An annual growing to about three feet (90 cm) high. It has large, broad, sharp-pointed leaves. The large flowers are white and trumpet-shaped. Where to find it. It grows in most parts of the world. It is common on both cultivated and waste ground. Flowering time: Midsummer to mid autumn. Astrology: It is governed by Jupiter. Medicinal virtues: The juice pressed out of the fresh plant and reduced to an extract, has been taken in doses of half a grain (32 mg) up to a dram (1.7 g), in 24 hours, for epileptic disorders, convulsions and madness. Modern uses: This remedy should not be taken unless prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist. The whole plant is extremely poisonous and acts in a similar way to Belladonna. It is used in medicine for its narcotic, anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties. The leaves are dried and powdered and used in doses of one-tenth of a grain (6.5 mg) to five grains (325 mg) for spasmodic asthma. It is added to medicinal powders for asthma and to Tobacco used for asthma cigarettes. The leaves can be burned and the smoke inhaled to relieve asthma. The seeds have similar properties, but are usually made in fluid extracts or tinctures. Dosage is very small, being only one or two drops of the fluid extract and five of the tincture. An ointment is prepared to ease the pain of neuralgia and muscular rheumatism. |