What Is Tincture of Belladonna?

Belladonna is a plant that is cultivated in Central and Southern Europe, England, North America, Southwest Asia and Algeria. It grows best when shaded by taller plants or trees and has been used traditionally as a sedative, an antispasmodic and a narcotic.

Definition

• A tincture is made by steeping the alkaloid-rich parts of a plant in 100 proof alcohol for a specified amount of time. The solution is strained and the remaining liquid is called a tincture. Tincture of belladonna is a solution made by steeping the roots, leaves or tops of belladonna in alcohol.

Warning

• Belladonna is classified as a highly poisonous plant and should not be used as a home remedy. Overdosing on belladonna can cause a fatal increase in heart rate, vomiting, nausea, paralysis, respiratory failure and coma.

Other Names

• Belladonna is also known as deadly nightshade, devil's cherries, naughty man's cherries, black cherry, devil's herb, great morel and dwayberry.

Benefits

• According to Herbs2000.com, belladonna contains three helpful substances: scopolamine, hyoscyamine and atropine. Each of these chemicals can cause a sedative action and may be helpful for treating conditions that require antispasmodic medications.

Identification

• In the wild, belladonna is most likely found growing underneath a tree. Mature plants can grow up to 6 feet high with their first set of leaves 1 or 2 feet off the ground. The leaves are oval, alternately paired, dull gray-green, heavily veined and give off a pungent, disagreeable scent when crushed.