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 Post subject: I don't understand about belladonna..
 Post Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:12 am 
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Water Dragon

Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:54 am
Posts: 59
I've heard things about it. I know it's hallucinogenic, and can be deadly. I also know that it is the source of atropine, which can also be hallucinogenic or fatal if overdosed...
I've heard even worse about its magical properties. Cunningham's Magical Herbalism warns that only the most experienced witches should experiment with it.

I was surprised, therefore, to find that Horizon Herbs sells the seeds - several different varieties, in fact.
How can a toxic herb be useful in medicinal herbalism?
Is it just the toxicity that makes it magically dangerous, or is there another reason it should be avoided?

I hope I'm not annoying anyone with my endless questions. Should I put all my questions on one thread? =X

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 Post Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:33 am 
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Air Dragon

Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:35 am
Posts: 16
Location: Sydney
Belladonna is only poisonous when used INTERNALLY, but can be used externally without any negative effects. This can be as a lotion, a cream, a poultice etc etc.

Poultices containing belladonna are usually applied to injuries or sprained limbs following a fall to alleviate pain.

When Locally applied, It lessen inflammation, irritability and pain in neuralgia, gout, rheumatism and sciatica.

Belladonna is part of the Solanaceae family (deadly nightshade family) and other things included in that family are plants such as the Tomato, Potato, tobacco plant, eggplant and even petunias!

Also, the plant can be used internally when Homoeopathically prepared. This is prepared through a series of potentisation and dilution which removes the toxicity of the substance (and essentially the substance itself), but allows the energy of the plant to remain and thats whats used to stimulate the "Vital Force" (Life energy, Chi, or any term you prefer to use) and in turn treat various Mental and Physical symptoms.

Interesting fact: Women used to use belladonna drops to dilate their pupils to create the wide-eyed look which was considered a mark of beauty.

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 Post Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:34 am 
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Spirit Dragon
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Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:08 pm
Posts: 122
Location: England
Like Borage & a whole host of other herbs, parts of the belladonna plant are toxic and deadly when used wrong or in excess. However the 'whole extract' can be used to treat all number of ailments.
A short list of examples of the benefits can be found on herbNet

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm

Unless you are a qualified practitioner i wouldn't recommend using belladonna at all. It can be substituted by other less toxic plants.

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 Post subject:
 Post Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:38 am 
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Air Dragon

Joined: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:35 am
Posts: 16
Location: Sydney
In most countries it is Scheduled though and illegal to use Internally.

Practitioner can lose their license if they've prescribed it to anyone other than themselves.

Australia is one such country where its scheduled.

Especially due to the fact the Berries are highly toxic and many children have died from eating the enticing red berries.

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 Post Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:48 pm 
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Water Dragon

Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:54 am
Posts: 59
I see... well thanks for the info!

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