Contents
The Ebers papyrus records that the henbane plant was already used in Babylon (15th century B.C.) to heal toothaches. Dioscorides (1st century A.D.), the father of phytotherapy, also mentions its narcotic properties.
- BLOOM TIME: Late Spring – Early Summer .Cream-Tan with purple centers and purple veins
- HARDINESS ZONE: 10 – 11 (and reseeds itself easily so it acts like a perennial in all zones)
- PLANT HEIGHT: 24 – 36″ . . . PLANT SPACING: 36 – 48″
- LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Sun . . . SOIL / WATER: Average
- Henbane is fragrant, and grows well in poor soil. Hurray! They make excellent dried flowers as well. Parts of the plant and/or seeds are poisonous, so no taste testing.
During the Middle Ages, the henbane plant joined the many ingredients used by witches and warlocks in their concoctions. Supposedly, burglars put the plant on the coals that heated public baths to drowse the clients and pick their pockets.
Healing Properties and Uses
The entire plant contains alkaloids that are very active in the nervous system (atropine, hyoscine, and scopolamine). It is a powerful antispasmodic, analgesic, and narcotic. When taken in high doses, it becomes stupefacient and hallucinogenic. Its smoke has been used in asthma crises (because of its bronchi-dilator action) and also to relieve toothaches. In local application, it eases gout pain, rheumatism, sciatica, and other neuralgia.
WARNING! When the recommended dose is exceeded, weakness and nausea may be felt. Because of its smell, accidental poisoning is difficult. When taken in high doses, it is stupefacient and hallucinogenic.
Henbane Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Black henbane, devil’s eye, fetid nightshade, henbell, hog bean, Jupiter’s bean, poison tobacco, stinking nightshade.
- French: Jusquiame noire.
- Spanish: Beleno negro.
- Environment: This rare plant may be found on roadsides and wastelands of Europe’s Mediterranean and central regions. It has spread throughout America.
- Description: This plant of the Solanaceae family is covered with delicate down and can reach a height of up to one meter. Its flowers are pale yellow and covered with a net of thin violet capillaries. The whole plant gives off a disgusting smell.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves.
How to use Henbane
- Infusion. Ten to fifteen g of leaves per liter of water. Drink two cups daily.
- Powder of dry leaves. The maximum tolerated daily dose is one gram.
- Poultices with mashed leaves are applied to the painful area for several minutes.
- Ointment (prepared in a pharmaceutical laboratory).
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 159. Print.
- PubMed: PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/
- World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs: https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/monographs/en/
- American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC): https://aapcc.org/
Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API