Application of belladonna. Grass, berries, belladonna flowers in traditional and folk medicine

This plant is known under different names - for someone it is belladonna or belladonna, for others - wolfberry or sweet cherry. But as it is not called, the essence remains one - this is a dangerous, but at the same time, medicinal herb. Let's see what the Belladonna is like.

general information

This perennial plant, reaching a height of 2 meters. Most often, for medicinal purposes, the powerful belladonna roots and its leaves are used, more rarely - the stem. The poisonous part of the plant is its berries. The photo clearly shows how the fruits of belladonna look. These are glossy black balls, sweet to taste. Only 2-3 berries can become a lethal dose for humans, but the birds eat them without fear.

Blooming belladonna grass in the first year of life in August, and in the following - from late spring to early autumn. Fruits from July to September.

The name belladonna appeared in this plant thanks to Karl Linnaeus. In the Middle Ages tincture of the belladonna women buried in the eyes, because of which the more glittering, the pupils widened, and the look became more expressive. This technique was used as a decoration. That's why Carl Linnaeus decided to associate the name of the plant with the phrase "bella donna", which in translation means "beautiful woman". Krasavka - more approximate to the Russian language name.

Origin and distribution

The first mention of this plant historians found in documents dating to the IV-III centuries BC. In olden times tinctures from belladonna were treated with tumors and ulcers, not forgetting also about the hallucinogenic properties of the plant. Popular and very effective poisons from this plant.

Now belladonna grows in many European countries, and in Russia - only in the Caucasus and in the Crimea. But belladonna is the basis for many popular medicines, natural raw materials for which is not enough. Therefore, the plant is artificially grown in many regions - in Europe, Africa, America, Asia and the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. Belladonna grass is thermophilic, so certain conditions are necessary to grow it. With due care, the harvest of the leaves is carried out 3-4 times a year.

The photo shows a belladonna, whose flower has already blossomed. Usually they have a brown or dirty-purple hue. To create medicines, the flowers of this plant are usually not used.

Medicinal properties

Belladonna is actively used for medical purposes. Its medicinal properties, it is due primarily to alkaloids, which are part of, and 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. Drops for the eyes, which contain atropine, contribute to the dilatation of the pupil. This effect is familiar to all who underwent a comprehensive examination from the oculist.

The main actions of atropine on the human body are listed in the list:

1. Stimulates the respiratory system.
2. Increases the number of cardiac contractions per minute.
3. Oppresses the function of various glands, reducing the secretion of saliva, sweat and gastric juice.
4. Increases nervous excitability. An overdose can lead to seizures.

Despite the abundance of medicinal properties, do not forget that in high doses belladonna is deadly.

With what diseases is struggling

The field of application of belladonna in medicine is very wide. Therefore, all its actions against various diseases are better to result in the form of a list:

1. Relieves spasms in the respiratory system with bronchial asthma.
2. Increases heart contractions in pathologies of the circulatory system (angina, bradycardia).
3. Has spasmolytic effects in digestive diseases (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, colic and colitis).
4. Reduces the activity of sweat and lacrimal glands with their increased secretion.
5. It is used for withdrawal from depressive conditions, reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy.
6. Atropine films are used to combat chronic aphthous stomatitis;
7. It is an antidote for poisoning with fungi, antidepressants, organophosphorus compounds.
8. 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 a part of medicines to combat insomnia, motion sickness and Meniere's disease.

Medical preparations

Belladonna grass is not part of the medicinal collection, because with uncontrolled admission is a dangerous substance for human health. Nevertheless, there is a large number of pharmacies with bellies:

1. Tincture of belladonna, used as an antispasmodic and means for increasing heart rate with a decreased pulse.
2. Medicines for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - "Бекарбон", "Бепасал", "Бесалол", "Bellastesin", "Gastric pills".
3. From a bronchitis and an asthma - "Solutan".
4. From hemorrhoids and cracks in the anus - rectal suppositories "Betiol" and "Anuzol".
5. In neurology, Bellataminal is used.
6. With intoxication, encephalitis and parkinsonism - "Corbella".
7. Atropine sulfate has a wide spectrum of action.

Despite the fact that most of these drugs can be purchased without a prescription, it is recommended to consult with a doctor before use.

Belladonna: instructions for creating tinctures and decoction

Despite the fact that there are a lot of drugs based on belladonna, some prefer to prepare infusions at home. Doing this is not recommended, because it is easy to make a mistake and get serious poisoning.

Below are the recipes for those who still decided:

1. 5 grams of the crushed root of the plant put in enamelware, 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 broth should be taken adult by 1 teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the dose to two. Store for no longer than 2 weeks in a dark cool place.
2. Leaves belladonna mixed with alcohol (40%) in proportions of 1:10. Let it brew. Take adults for 5-10 drops, children 1-5 drops (1 drop per 10 kg of weight).

Despite the fact that the recipes are still given, it is strictly not recommended to use the tinctures independently, especially in the case of children.

Belladonna: application without consequences

In addition to the obvious lack of belladonna - a toxic component - it is worth noting also some restrictions in taking drugs with it. Belladonna vulgaris is strictly contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in those with individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to any elements of the drug. Therefore, the medication is started with minimal doses to prevent an overdose.

Do not use drugs that include belladonna grass, people with serious cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, exhaustion and some kidney diseases. In addition, during the period of the use of such drugs, it is not recommended to sit behind the wheel and engage in activities that require increased concentration and clarity of vision.

Poisoning

Intoxication may occur due to overdose of drugs based on belladonna, when eaten by the plant itself or improperly prepared at home, infusions. The most problems can be caused by berries, photos of which are given in the beginning of the article.

The main signs of poisoning:

1. Dryness in the nose and mouth.
2. Redness of facial skin.
3. Extended pupils and blurred vision.
4. Headache.
5. Violation of coordination.
6. Incoherent speech and hallucinations.
7. Diarrhea and nausea, resulting in vomiting.
8. Violation of urination and defecation.

At the next stage, the work of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is disrupted, and convulsions appear. If you do not help the patient in time, serious poisoning can lead to loss of consciousness and death. When the above signs appear, you need to urgently call an ambulance, rinse the patient's stomach and give activated charcoal.

There are a lot of medicinal plants in nature, but one of the most useful and dangerous is belladonna. Her flower is not so beautiful to decorate the house, but the medicine on the basis of belladonna can help overcome many diseases.