This plant is known by various names - for some it is belladonna or belladonna, for others it is wolfberry or crazy cherry. But whatever you call it, the essence remains the same - it is a dangerous, but at the same time healing herb. Let's figure out what belladonna is.
General information
This is a perennial herb growing up to 2 meters in height. Most often, powerful belladonna roots and its leaves are used for medicinal purposes, less often - the stem. The most poisonous part of the plant is its berries. The photo clearly shows what the fruits of belladonna look like. These are glossy black balls, sweetish in taste. Only 2-3 berries can be a lethal dose for humans, but birds eat them without fear.
Belladonna grass blooms in the first year of life in August, and in subsequent years from late spring to early autumn. Fruits from July to September.
The name belladonna came from this plant thanks to Carl Linnaeus. In the Middle Ages, women instilled belladonna tincture into their eyes, which is why theybrighter, the pupils dilated, and the look became more expressive. This technique was used as decoration. That is why Carl Linnaeus decided to associate the name of the plant with the phrase "bella donna", which means "beautiful woman" in translation. Krasavka is a name closer to the Russian language.
Origin and distribution
Historians found the first mention of this plant in documents dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries BC. In the old days, tumors and ulcers were treated with belladonna tinctures, not forgetting also the hallucinogenic properties of the plant. Very effective poisons from this plant were also popular.
Now belladonna grows in many European countries, and in Russia - only in the Caucasus and Crimea. But belladonna is the basis for many popular medicines, for which natural raw materials are not enough. Therefore, the plant is artificially grown in many regions - in Europe, Africa, America, Asia and in the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. Belladonna grass is thermophilic, so certain conditions are necessary for its cultivation. With proper care, the leaves are harvested 3-4 times a year.
The photo shows belladonna, the flower of which has already blossomed. They usually have a brown or dirty purple hue. The flowers of this plant are not usually used to create medicines.
Medicinal properties
Belladonna is actively used for medical purposes. It owes its healing properties primarily to the alkaloids that make up,specifically, atropine. Under its action, the activity of transmission of nerve impulses weakens, which, accordingly, reduces pain. In addition, it reduces the tone of the smooth muscles of human organs.
The property, marked by medieval beauties, is still used today. Eye drops, which include atropine, contribute to the expansion of the pupil. This effect is familiar to everyone who underwent a comprehensive examination by an ophthalmologist.
The main actions of atropine on the human body are listed:
- Stimulates the respiratory system.
- Increases the number of heartbeats per minute.
- Depresses the function of various glands, reducing the secretion of saliva, sweat and gastric juice.
- Increases nervous excitability. Overdose may cause convulsions.
Despite the abundance of healing properties, do not forget that belladonna is deadly in large doses.
What diseases does it fight against
The scope of belladonna in medicine is very wide. Therefore, all her actions against various diseases are best given in the form of a list:
- Relieves spasms in the respiratory system in bronchial asthma.
- Increases heart contractions in pathologies of the circulatory system (angina pectoris, bradycardia).
- It has an antispasmodic effect in digestive diseases (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, colic and colitis).
- Decreases the activity of sweat and lacrimal glands with their increased secretion.
- Used to get out of depressiveconditions, reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy.
- Atropine films are used to combat chronic aphthous stomatitis;
- It is an antidote for mushroom poisoning, antidepressants, organophosphorus compounds.
- Used to prepare for anesthesia or surgery as a substance that reduces spasm of the larynx and bronchi and reduces the activity of the glands.
Belladonna extract is also used in homeopathy and is used in medicines to combat insomnia, motion sickness and Meniere's disease.
Medicines
Belladonna herb is not included in the medicinal fees, because with uncontrolled intake it is a dangerous substance for human he alth. However, there are a large number of pharmaceutical preparations with belladonna:
- A tincture of belladonna, used as an antispasmodic and to increase heart rate when the pulse is low.
- Drugs for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - Becarbon, Bepasal, Besalol, Bellastezin, Gastric tablets.
- From bronchitis and asthma - "Solutan".
- From hemorrhoids and fissures in the anus - rectal suppositories "Betiol" and "Anuzol".
- Bellataminal is used in neurology.
- For intoxication, encephalitis and parkinsonism - Corbella.
- Atropine sulfate - has a wide spectrum of action.
Despite the fact that most of thesedrugs can be purchased without a prescription, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Belladonna: instructions for making tincture and decoction
Despite the fact that there are a large number of medicines based on belladonna, some people prefer to prepare infusions at home. This is not recommended as it is easy to make a mistake and get seriously poisoned.
The following are recipes for those who still dare:
- 5 grams of crushed plant root put in an enamel bowl, add 100 ml of white wine and a little animal charcoal (0.09 grams). Boil for 10 minutes, then leave for 2 hours. Strain. The resulting decoction should be taken by adults 1 teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the dose to two. Store no more than 2 weeks in a dark, cool place.
- Mix belladonna leaves with alcohol (40%) in proportions 1:10. Let it brew. Take 5-10 drops for adults, 1-5 drops for children (1 drop per 10 kg of body weight).
Despite the fact that the recipes are still given, it is strongly not recommended to use tinctures on your own, especially in the case of children.
Belladonna: application without consequences
In addition to the obvious lack of belladonna - a poisonous component - it is also worth noting some restrictions in taking drugs with it. Belladonna vulgaris is strictly contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who have individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to anyor elements of the drug. Therefore, the medication is started with minimal doses to prevent overdose.
Medicals containing belladonna grass should not be used by people with serious cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma, malnutrition, and some kidney diseases. In addition, during the period of use of such drugs, it is not recommended to drive and engage in activities that require increased concentration and clarity of vision.
Poisoning
Intoxication can occur due to an overdose of drugs based on belladonna, when eating the plant itself or improperly prepared infusions at home. The berries, the photo of which is given at the beginning of the article, can cause the most problems.
Main signs of poisoning:
- Dry nose and mouth.
- Face redness.
- Dilated pupils and blurred vision.
- Headaches.
- Incoordination.
- Incoherent speech and hallucinations.
- Diarrhea and nausea turning into vomiting.
- Impaired urination and defecation.
At the next stage, the work of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is disturbed, convulsions appear. If the patient is not treated in time, serious poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness and death. If the above signs appear, you need to urgently call an ambulance, wash the sick stomach and give activated charcoal.
There are many medicinalplants, but one of the most useful and dangerous is belladonna. Its flower is not so beautiful as to decorate the house, but belladonna-based medicines can help overcome many diseases.
