Belladonna Herb Cut

The belladonna plant has an intriguing history stretching back to ancient times. In Renaissance Italy women took it to enlarge their pupils to look more alluring, giving it its name, which means “beautiful women”.

But Belladonna is also known by another name: deadly nightshade. Deadly by name and deadly by nature, even a small quantity of the leaves or berries of this poisonous plant can be fatal if eaten, while touching the leaves can irritate the skin.

Despite its toxicity, there are several uses for Belladonna.

Belladonna’s powerful effect

The Italian ladies of the past are not alone in recognising the pupil-dilating impact this plant can have. Today doctors use eye drops if they need to dilate your eyes and Belladonna is likely one of the ingredients of the eye drops they use.

This effect is thanks to atropine, which is one of the key chemicals derived from the Belladonna. Interestingly this can also be used as an antidote for insecticides and chemical warfare agents and is thought to be effective in controlling muscle spasms and regulating the heart rate.

Another chemical derived from the plant is scopolamine, which has similar effects. When used in a skin patch, it is thought to help with motion sickness, and it is also useful at reducing stomach acid.

Homeopathic healer

The homoeopathy industry makes good use of Belladonna. It’s often used to treat conditions where the symptoms mirror that of belladonna poisoning: nausea, delirium, fever or muscle spasms. When used homoeopathically, Belladonna is highly diluted to ensure that it can help treat the problem without risking nasty side effects.

Preparing Belladonna

May and June are the ideal times to harvest the leaves of the belladonna plant, while the roots may be harvested around mid-October through to mid-November. Drying and crushing them readies them to use in tinctures, pills, liquid, infusions and powder

Order Belladonna from Joseph Flach & Sons

As a trusted global supplier of wholesale botanicals, we can cater to all of your belladonna needs. Our products are sourced only from trusted suppliers across the globe. If you’re looking to find a supplier for Belladonna, please talk to us and let us see how we can help you.

WE OFFER BELLADONNA IN THE FOLLOWING FORMS:

●  Belladonna Herb Cut - Botanical name: Astropa Belladonna

●  Belladonna Tincture

Please note that many botanicals come in different forms and grades which may determine or improve their suitability for certain applications. At Joseph Flach & Sons, we carry a large range of products in various forms and grades. Please do check with our experts if you require a specific grade or form and they will be delighted to help you.

Important: Joseph Flach & Sons are not herbalists and are unable to offer advice on and are unable to attest to the efficacy or suitability of a material for use in a herbal remedy or as a product ingredient.