Although
potentially toxic in large doses, Henbane is a powerful sedative, antispasmodic
and painkiller, containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and hyoscine. It is
especially effective for pain related to urinary tract infection or kidney
stones and for abdominal cramping. Although
demonized in many modern herbals, Henbane has an extensive history in treating a
broad range of conditions. It was
often used in place of more powerful narcotics both for pain and to suppress
coughing and other spasmodic actions. In many cases, it produced the same
results with fewer side effects. Its
use to treat the symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease demonstrates the
value of Henbane in soothing agitated nerves.
It was moderately successful as a treatment for epilepsy and other
nervous conditions, and was especially preferred as a safe sedative for infants
and the infirm. It is also mildly
laxative rather than constipating like the opiate drugs.
As a sleep aid, it will produce a natural rather than a drugged sleep.
According to King’s Dispensatory, it is most effective as a sedative
for nervous and irritable conditions, and that narcotic level dosages are best
avoided or left to other agents.
The
tincture, either as a liniment or dissolved in a salve can be applied externally
to relieve aches and pains of neuralgia, rheumatism and sciatica.
Henbane is broadly similar in action to its relatives Belladonna and
Datura; it dilates the pupils and reduces mucous secretions.
The
German Commission E approves Henbane leaf and flowers to treat spasms of the
intestinal tract, noting its capacity to relax smooth muscles as well as its
sedative action. It inhibits the
transmission of acetylcholine, the chemical that transmits neural messages
across nerve synapses. Recommended
dosage for the powdered leaves is ˝ to 1 gram, not to exceed three grams daily.
The safe dosage for the tincture is in the neighbourhood of 2 – 20
drops, up to 30, depending both on the application and on the strength of the
product, which can be somewhat variable (see harvest notes).
CAUTION:
Henbane is a potentially dangerous and deadly drug
plant; the symptoms of overdose similar to those for opium or morphine.
However, when it was used extensively in medicine, overdoses were rare.
Should overdose occur, an emetic must be used to empty the stomach and
the person stimulated by walking, massage or mild stimulant drugs.
Should breathing stop, artificial respiration must be employed until the
crisis passes – death is from respiratory failure resulting from excessive
sedation, not from any toxic damage to organs.
Henbane
also enhances the suppression of acetylcholine by other drugs: tricyclic
antidepressants,
antihistamines, amantadine,
phenothiazines, procainamide and guanidine.
People
with a tendency toward episodes of tachycardia, benign prostate tumour with
urine retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, acute pulmonary oedema should not use
Henbane.
Do not use it to treat structural dysfunctions or blockages of the
intestinal tract.
NNN=Moderately
toxic
