Horse Nettle Uses

Horse nettle is a member of the nightshade family. It is a flowering plant that grows in the Southeastern United States. It grows in sandy soil, fields, farmlands, barnyards and waste areas. Because of its high toxicity in all parts of the plant, horse nettle is considered dangerous to humans and animals. The toxic substance, solanine, can cause death in people and animals.

Historic Uses

• Americans Indians used horse nettle as a mouth gargle to heal sore throats and took it internally to kill worms. It also served as a topical treatment for poison ivy and mange on dogs. Historically, people used it to treat epilepsy, asthma, bronchitis and other convulsive disorders; medical investigations continue to evaluate the impact of horse nettle on these ailments. Horse nettle was also used to treat rattle snake bites.

Modern Day Uses

• The horse nettle plant is currently under investigation for additional healing properties. The ripe berry of this plant contains less solanine, the toxic substance found in all parts of the plant, than the young horse nettle. The full grown berries are still used today for different ailments. People working with herbs use it as a sedative or antispasmodic. Grown berries are used as a diuretic and in the treatment of arthritis.

Warnings

• All parts of this plant are toxic to humans and animals. People should not take horse nettle internally to treat any condition without the supervision of a doctor. Even when a part of the plan is touched, skin irritations can occur.

Solanine

• Solanine is found in other plants of the nightshade family including potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants. Concentrations are not as high in these plants as in the horse nettle plant. Solanine poisoning has killed children, why horse nettle has lost some of its appeal as a healing plant. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness and headaches. It has also been shown to cause, paralysis, fever and hypothermia.