Henbane

26Dec07

Henbane
Hyoscyamus niger

AKA: Black henbane, Devil’s eye, Henbell, Hog’s bean, Poison tobacco, Stinking nightshade

Portrait: Annual or biennial. Native to southern Europe and western Asia. Introduced to and widely cultivated in North America and Europe, especially England. Entire plant has a powerful fetid odor. Bell-shaped, pale yellow flowers marked with lurid purple striations bloom from July to September.

Medicinal Element: Flowering tops, leaves

Herbal Properties: Analgesic, anodyne, antispasmodic, calmative, narcotic, sedative

Summary: Once a standard sedative and analgesic among practicing herbalists, henbane was used extensively to treat pain affecting the urinary tract and abdomen. Small doses were sometimes administered to individuals suffering from muscle tremors and rigidity characteristic of Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Smoking henbane seeds is said to relieve toothache, rheumatic pains, asthma, and bronchitis. A lethal poison in overdose, modern henbane preparations are intended for external use only. An oil obtained from the leaves is used to relieve earache, neuralgia, sciatica, and rheumatism. Only use henbane under the guidance of a knowledgeable and reputable herbalist. Do not ingest henbane. Do not use any preparations containing henbane if pregnant or breast-feeding.

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