The Deadly Nightshade is known by many names like atropa belladonna, devil’s cherries, atropa acuminate, devil’s herb etc. This plant originated in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. However, it also grows in North America, and those fond of gardening also grow this deadly plant in their backyard.
Its flowers are purple or green in color and are bell shaped. The leaves are large and oval with pointed tips. The fruits look very attractive and resemble berries. They are green when small but change their color to black as they ripen. These are called devil’s cherries because of their poisonous nature.
The plant is called nightshade because its flowers bloom only at night and it is found growing mainly in shady areas. The plant contains dangerous chemicals like atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine that are highly dangerous for humans. Despite it being so toxic, it is used in mild and small doses and provides various benefits for us.
The deadly nightshade is not so deadly when it comes to skin care! In fact, it provides several benefits that can help the skin look radiant.
Deadly nightshade is an excellent cure for eczema. It helps to cure contact and atopic eczema. It helps to hydrate the skin effectively, making it soft and supple.
A very mild dosage of deadly nightshade can cure skin problems by thoroughly cleansing the system through frequent urination. By flushing out harmful toxins from the body, this medicinal plant helps the skin regain its youth look.
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Not many hair care benefits of deadly nightshade are known today. But it does help to keep hair healthy in some ways.
Deadly Nightshade extracts are used in a few hair conditioners to soften and hydrate the hair. This helps to solve the problem of dry frizzy hair!
Because of its dark color, it is also used in a few natural hair dyes. So, chuck all those chemical laden hair dyes, and use this plant to color your hair.
Though not proven completely, but research is underway to make products using the extracts of deadly nightshade to cure hair problems like dandruff and other scalp diseases.
The Deadly Nightshade plant provides numerous health benefits. But it is important to remember that the dosage of this herb is very essential. Overdose of this herb can prove fatal!
Many consider it unsafe, but the extracts from the plant sedate bronchial spasms during whooping cough and asthma. Deadly nightshade is an excellent natural remedy to keep cough, cold and fever at bay.
The plant is also used for motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Many ointments made for joints, legs and back contain extracts from the plant as it is a good painkiller. People suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia can use this plant to get relief from constant pain.
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Ultimately, the plant has more ill effects than good effects on humans and you should be very cautious before using it in any form for any purpose.