Black belladonna

Belladonna is a plant whose leaves and roots are used to make medicine.

The second name by which belladonna is also known - belladonna - means "beautiful woman" and stems from a risky way of using it in Italy. There, the juice of belladonna was traditionally used to dilate the pupils of women to give them a more striking appearance. This was not a good idea, as belladonna is poisonous. Although it is not generally considered safe and harmless, belladonna is used as a sedative, as a remedy for bronchial spasms in asthma and whooping cough, and as a remedy for colds and hay fever. It is also used for Parkinson's disease, colic, motion sickness and as a painkiller. Belladonna is also used as an ingredient in ointments that are applied to the skin for joint pain, rheumatism, sciatica and nerve pain. In addition, belladonna is used in patches for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, behavioral disorders known as hyperkinesis, excessive sweating and bronchial asthma. Last but not least, belladonna is also an ingredient in some suppositories used to treat hemorrhoids.

How effective is belladonna?

There is not enough scientific data to determine whether belladonna is effective for asthma, whooping cough, colds, hay fever, Parkinson's disease, motion sickness, arthritis pain, nerve problems, spasms and colic pain in the stomach and bile ducts or other conditions. Further research is needed to be able to make a statement about the effectiveness of belladonna in these areas of application.

How does belladonna work?

Belladonna contains chemicals that can block functions of the nervous system. Some of the bodily functions controlled by the nervous system include salivation, sweating, pupil size, the digestive system and others.

Side effects and safety

Belladonna is not considered safe when taken orally as it contains chemicals that can be toxic.

Side effects include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, red and dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat, an inability to urinate or sweat, hallucinations, convulsions, mental problems, convulsions and coma.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Belladonna is not safe to take orally during pregnancy. It contains toxic chemicals that have been linked to reports of serious side effects. Belladonna is also not considered safe and harmless during breastfeeding. It can reduce milk production and also passes into breast milk.

Heart failure: Belladonna can cause palpitations and may aggravate heart failure.

Constipation: Belladonna can aggravate constipation.

Down syndrome: People who suffer from Down syndrome may be particularly sensitive to the potentially toxic chemicals contained in belladonna and its harmful effects.

Gastroesophageal reflux: Belladonna can aggravate gastroesophageal reflux.

Fever: Belladonna can increase the risk of overheating in Fiber.

Stomach ulcers: Belladonna can aggravate stomach ulcers.

Digestive tract infections: Belladonna may slow bowel movements, allowing bacteria and viruses that can cause infections to remain in the digestive tract longer.

Gastrointestinal blockages: Belladonna can aggravate obstructive gastrointestinal blockages including atony, intestinal paralysis and stenosis.

Hiatal hernia: Belladonna can aggravate a hiatal hernia.

Narrow-angle glaucoma: Belladonna may aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma.

Palpitations: Belladonna can aggravate palpitations.

Ulcerative colitis: Belladonna can promote complications of ulcerative colitis.

Difficulty urinating: Belladonna may aggravate urination problems.

Are there any interactions with medication?

Care should be taken when combining belladonna products with the following medications

Drying medicines (anticholinergic agents)

Belladonna contains chemicals that can have a drying effect. This also affects the brain and the heart. Drying drugs, also known as anticholinergic drugs, can have the same effect. The combination of belladonna and such drugs can cause side effects such as dry skin, dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and other serious side effects.

Medications affected include some antihistamines and antidepressants.

Are there any interactions with medicinal plants or supplements?

There are no known interactions with medicinal plants or supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?

There are no known interactions with food.

Recommended dosage?

The appropriate dosage of belladonna products depends on several factors, including age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage range for belladonna products. It should be borne in mind that even natural products cannot necessarily be considered safe and harmless at every dosage. For this reason, you should follow the recommended dosage on the product label or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

References

1. Jaspersen-Schib R, Theus L, Guirguis-Oeschger M, et al [Serious plant poisonings in Switzerland 1966-1994. Case analysis from the Swiss Toxicology Information Center]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1996;126:1085-98.
2. McKevoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
4. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
5. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.