Datura stramonium has various medicinal uses. The herb is called Dhatura in Sanskrit and is a very important ancient herb. It has religious importance also as its flowers are believed to be associated with Lord Shiva. Ancient Hindu Physicians regarded this herb as an intoxicant, with digestive, emetic and healing properties. During the vedic period, smoking of the herb for asthma cure was also known.
Datura stramonium is native to India and grows at an altitude of 2500 meters in Himalayas and also in hilly areas of Southern and Central Himalayas. The common names of the herb are jamestown weed, angel’s trumpet, jimson weed, stinkweed, moonflower, thorn apple,mad seeds and malpitte. The leaves of the herb contain various alkaloids. Datura is used to cure various diseases which have been dealt with, in this article.
Benefits of Datura stramonium
Datura stramonium has been used as an Ayurvedic herbal remedy for various diseases. Seeds are the most active medicinal part of the plant. Leaves, seeds and flowering tops have anti-asthmatic, anodyne, antispasmodic, hypnotic, hallucinogenic, narcotic and mydriatic properties.The herb has following benefits:
- Asthma — Datura is used internally to cure bronchitis spasms in asthma. The herb is also used to cure Hemorrhoids and Parkinsonism.
- Pain — The leaves of the herb are used to cure pain and also enhance healing process.
- Wounds — The herb is used externally as a poultice in curing abscesses wounds, treating fistulas and severe neuralgia.
- Heart Disorders — It is an excellent cure for heart diseases and cures cardiac pains, palpitation, distress and aortic disorders.
- Malaria — Its fruit is used to cure bilious and phlegmatic types of malarial fever.
- Hair Fall — Fruit juice is applied to scalp to get relief from dandruff and hair fall.
- Scopolamine traces are found in the plant which is used to calm schizoid patients.
- Atropine and hyoscyamine are found in leaves which can be used as a potent mind altering drug.
- Seeds are used to treat stomach problems as they have anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic and analgesic properties.
- The herb is also used to cure impotency and it also checks the secretion of milk in lactating mothers.
Caution for Datura stramonium
- It is a highly poisonous herb. Hence, should only be used under Physician’s supervision as the difference between a toxic and medicinal dose can be very small.
- Large doses of the herb can also cause mouth and throat dryness and pupils dilation.
