Datura – Introduction, Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects of Datura Stramonium

 Table of Contents

1. What is Datura? 

Step into the intriguing world of Datura, scientifically known as Datura Stramonium, where a plant of both beauty and potential danger offers insights into traditional practices and potential benefits. This unique botanical has captivated attention for its historical significance, potential uses, and cautionary tales.

Datura scientific name is Datura Stramonium, some other common names are thornapple, datura, krsnadhattura, and unmatta. In ancient Indian literature, datura is referred to as Shiva-Shekhera, and the flowers are associated with Lord Shiva. The ancient Hindu physicians regarded Datura as an intoxicant, with an emetic, digestive and healing powers. Datura seeds were smoked as a treatment for asthma during the Vedic period.

In this post, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of Datura Stramonium, delving into its historical context, the spectrum of uses it has been applied to, and the potential health considerations associated with its use. From its historical role in traditional medicine to its potential dangers due to toxic compounds, Datura stands as a symbol of both fascination and caution.

Join us as we unravel the layers of Datura's allure, while also considering the potential side effects and considerations associated with its consumption. Whether you're interested in exploring the depths of herbal knowledge, a wellness enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the complexities of nature, Datura invites you to embark on this enlightening journey. Let's explore the mysteries and potential virtues that Datura Stramonium holds, delving into its essence and complexities together.

2. Morphology and Chemical Constituent

Datura is a bushy plant growing up to one meter in height, it has large egg-shaped leaves, very large white flowers, and egg-shaped fruits, covered with prickles. The dried leaves, the top portion of the flower, and the seeds of the plant constitute the drug. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids, seeds yield Diploid 1 and Tetraploid 2 besides alkaloids, some amount of alkaloids are present in dried seeds and fruits.

3. Habitat

Datura is native to India; the plant grows in temperate Himalayas and in the hilly belts of Central and Southern India.

4. Ayurvedic Properties of Datura

Datura, also known as "Dhatura" in Ayurveda, is a highly toxic plant that is not commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic practices due to its potent and potentially harmful effects. It's important to note that datura contains tropane alkaloids that can cause severe health risks, including hallucinations, delirium, and even death. Due to its toxic nature, datura is not recommended for internal or external use within Ayurveda.

5. Health Benefits and Uses of Datura

The dried leaves and seeds of datura are used in the British and the United States Pharmacopoeia as anti-spasmodic under critical conditions of asthma and whooping cough. Datura possesses properties analogous to those of belladonna, it counteracts spasmodic disorders and induces deep sleep.

Here are some health benefits and uses

Asthma

Smoke inhaled from burning datura leaves is beneficial for asthma, leaves rolled into cigarettes can also be smoked to relieve asthmatic attacks.

Baldness

A paste of datura seeds, licorice, saffron, and milk cream is heated in coconut oil till the solid mass converts to a charred powder. The oil is then applied to bald patches to stimulate hair growth. Datura is poisonous, hands should be washed thoroughly after handlining the oil. The mixture should not be used on the scalps of children.

Earache

The leaves of the herb are useful in treating earache, about 125 grams of the juice of datura leaves and sesame oil is boiled on a gentle fire, and when half the mixture has evaporated, several leaves of gigantic swallowwort are put in it after smearing till they begin to char. The oil is then filtered through a coarse cloth and preserved in a bottle. A few drops of this oil in the ear cure earache and is suppurative of the ear.

Heart Disorders

The herb is a valuable remedy for heart disorders, it relieves cardiac pain distress, palpitation, and aortic disorders.

Impotency

Datura is useful in impotency, seeds of 15 ripe fruits are boiled in eight kilograms of cow’s milk on a gentle fire. This milk is then made into curd and churned the next morning to extract butter which is stored in a broad-mouthed bottle. This butter is massaged morning and evening on the penis and the spine. It is also used as an oral medicine. Four grains of datura seeds with betel leaf can be taken. The use of this butter both externally and internally gradually promotes health and vigor and restores fitness in the body.

Malaria

Datura fruits are a specific remedy for phlegmatic and bilious types of malaria fever, a desired quantity of the fruit is placed in an earthen pot and covered with a plaster of cloth and clay. It should be parched in 10 to 12 grams of cow dung cakes. When the fire gets extinguished and the pot is cold, burnt fruit should be removed, powdered, and kept safely in a vial for use in malarial fever.

The problem of Brest Milk Secretion

The herb is highly beneficial in checking the secretion of breast milk, in case of an unfortunate death of a newly born baby, accumulated milk in the breast of the mother causes severe pain. In such cases, warmed leaves of datura tied on the breast help to dry the milk without pain or difficulty. Just 2 or 3 applications bring the desired results.

6. Side Effects of Datura

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based and have no side effects, but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have unique health issues.

Consuming considerable or suggested amounts of datura is good but excessive use may cause some severe effects. The usual dose of datura is about 2 decigrams, in large doses, it may lead to dilation of the pupils and dryness of the mouth and throat.

Note: This post is based on true sources and studies, asked the doctor before starting the datura.