|
| Botanical Name |
Datura
metal |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Thorn apple. |
| Family |
Solanaceae. |
| Parts Used |
Leaves,
flowers and seeds. |
| Medicinal Property |
A
bitter, narcotic herb that relaxes spasms relieves pain and encourages
healing. Used internally for asthma and Parkinson’s disease. Excess
causes giddiness, dry mouth and coma. Externally for fistulas abscesses
and severe neuralgia. |
| Chemistry |
Seeds
and leaves are source of ‘Hyoscine’ |
| Description |
An
erect, succulent, spreading annual herb, leaves triangular ovate in
outline, unequal at the base; flowers large, solitary, fruits subglobose
capsules covered all over with numerous, fleshy prickles; seeds numerous,
smooth, yellowish brown. |
| Distribution |
Native
of Asia and Africa. Throughout India, common as a weed in waste places and
roadsides. |
| Economics |
|
| Warning |
Toxic
if eaten as raw. |
|
|