What is Belladonna?
The star of the poison plants for many, Belladonna is also popularly known as the deadly nightshade or Atropa belladonna. This perennial herbaceous plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The name “belladonna” means “beautiful lady,” and comes from an ancient risky practice in Italy. The juice of belladonna berries was used to enlarge the pupils of women, in order to give them a striking appearance. All parts of the plant being poisonous, this was obviously not a good idea.
Though widely considered as unsafe, the leaf and root of the Belladonna plant are used to make medicine which cures myriad ailments. Belladonna contains two chemicals, namely, scopolamine and atropine, which are used for medicinal purposes. Once extracted, one or both of them are combined with other medications. While scopolamine is primarily used to control body discharge, atropine is very effective in dilating the eyes.
The leaves and roots of Belladonna, in dried form, are crushed for use in several forms, including tinctures, lotions, infusions, plasters, pills, liquid solutions and powders, among others. Keep in mind that any medication containing belladonna should always be taken under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.
Here are 7 hidden benefits of Belladonna:
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Belladonna solves Leucorrhea – Also known as vaginitis, most women experience leucorrhea nowadays. In this disease, a thin or thick, whitish or yellowish discharge comes out of the vagina. It may occur in between menstruation cycles or during pregnancy and usually lasts from a few days to weeks. Belladonna, as a part of a homeopathic preparation, provides instant relief in leucorrhea. It is usually effective in curing recent or intense attacks of leucorrhea based on pelvic inflammation and congestion.
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Belladonna cures acne – Acne most often appears where we like it the least—on the face, chest, or back. Depending on its severity, acne can take the form of merely a few pimples or leave deep scars on the skin. Since ages, essential oils have been used to treat various skin diseases, including acne. Another vital remedy in this context is the healing effect of homeopathic Belladonna. It is very beneficial to various types of acne, such as red-hot facial skin, a scarlet rash (a bright rash that covers most of the body), suddenly spreading acne lesions or pimples, alternate redness and dullness of skin, and small, elevated, pus-filled eruptions on the skin.
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Belladonna soothes liver pain – A variety of problems cause pains in the liver area. These range from simple things like excessive drinking to severe ailments such as liver cancer. The muscle relaxing properties of belladonna plant (because of the presence of atropine which is an alkaloid) help soothe colic or muscle spasm of the liver. Belladonna’s role as a powerful analgesic is probably one of the oldest known of its uses.
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Belladonna aids respiration – Belladonna has been known to reduce mucus production in the sinuses (those spaces inside the head that are connected to the back of the nose), and can also clear out the respiratory system of excess phlegm ( a cold-induced thick substance in your nose and throat). Many of the bacteria that get stuck in the mucus and phlegm cause several respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Belladonna is used in cough syrups to cure such ailments.
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Belladonna heals lower back pain – About 80 percent of adults suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lifetimes. It is a leading contributor to missed work days. According to the results of a large survey, more than a quarter of adults reported experiencing lower back pain during the past 3 months. The anti-inflammatory property of Belladonna greatly help to get rid of lower back pain. Belladonna is particularly beneficial to violent and intense low back pain, generally worsened due to motion, touch, or a draft of air. Such a type of pain is severe and can be burning, throbbing or spasmodic.
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Belladonna treats Parkinson’s disease – A progressive nervous system disorder, Parkinson’s disease influences the person’s movement, speech and writing. It chiefly affects middle-aged and elderly people. The main symptoms of this dreaded ailment are muscle rigidity, tremors, and excessive salivation. These symptoms are caused by acetylcholine, a substance which occurs throughout the nervous system. Belladonna, due to its anticholinergic property, is able to prevent the release of acetylcholine. Hence belladonna is a top remedy to treat Parkinson’s disease.
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Belladonna promotes Eye Health – Belladonna, due to its anti-inflammatory property, is commonly used as an ingredient in eye drops. A typical remedy for sudden eye irritation, throbbing eye pain, light sensitivity, visual illusions, and swollen eyelids, Belladonna is also often used to dilate the eye pupils during an eye examination. Belladonna drops act as a muscarinic antagonist, i.e. belladonna blocks the receptors in the eye muscles that contract the pupils.
Despite its several ominous names like “the deadly nightshade”, “the devil’s herb”, and “the death cherries” among others, Belladonna is an effective ingredient in a number of medications. This makes it highly unlikely that you’ve never used this plant.
What’s more, on reading up such amazing hidden benefits of belladonna, you are sure to overcome your inhibitions about it. So, while it is clear that Belladonna is an extremely dangerous herb, it is also very advantageous when used correctly.
Author Bio
Jessica Smith is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in the world of books. Holding on to her passion for fitness, She Believes that a healthy diet is a key to healthy living.
