Common Henbane
Binomial Name(s): Hyocyamus Niger
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Hyoscyamus
Species: H. niger
Popular Name(s): Henbane Henbane, Niger Seed, Bird Feed, Black Henbane
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Low-lying ground near the sea and Lower Mountain slopes.
Description
Common henbane is an annual/biennial plant growing to a height of 1m. The plant requires a well-drained soil, but cannot grow in the shade. It can tolerate maritime exposure and flowers from June to August, with the seeds ripening from August to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. Commonly known as the stinking nightshade or henbane, the plant species has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries together and has innumerous therapeutic values. Originated in parts of Eurasia, common henbane is currently distributed worldwide and is even cultivated for commercial purpose.
Plant Chemicals
Hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and other tropane alkaloids
Uses & Benefits of Common Henbane
- Common henbane is mostly used for the curing diseases with increased cerebral activity, but non-inflammatory in nature. Hence, the herb is regarded as an excellent cure for conditions like hysteria, deliriums and so on.
- The herb is also used for the cure of involuntary spasms, restlessness and muscle twitches.
- It is used as a nutritious bird feed. Besides, conditions like gastric or intestinal cramps, and diarrhea can be treated by the regular use of this herb.
- Common henbane seeds have narcotic, anodyne and mydriatic properties and so, can be effectively used as a sedative in case of nervous infections.
- The seeds also provides cure for asthmatic conditions, cough, myalgia and toothache.
- Individuals suffering from intense sleeplessness can also resort to the herb.
- Common henbane is often used internally for the treatment of whooping cough and motion sickness.
- Some other uses include the cure of childhood convulsions, convulsions during labor and even during the puerperal state.
- Common henbane is also used for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
- Another major use of the herb is in the cure of retention or urinary incontinence and paralysis of the bladder.
Caution
- The consumption of common henbane causes certain side effects in some humans. This mainly includes flushed skin, restlessness, hallucinations and dilated pupils.
- Less common side effects include hyperpyrexia, convulsions, tachycardia, hypertension, ataxia and vomiting.
