Black Henbane in Kashmir: Nature’s Poison in the Himalayas

 

Endangered or Invasive? The Complex Case of Black Henbane in Kashmir’s Ecosystem

Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as black henbane, is a toxic plant from the Solanaceae family, which also includes nightshades, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Key Information:

• Scientific Name: Hyoscyamus niger
• Common Names: Black henbane, stinking nightshade
• Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
• Native Range: Europe, North Africa, and Kashmir
• Habitat: Waste places, roadsides, disturbed soils

Description:

• Height: 30–100 cm tall
• Leaves: Large, soft, hairy, lobed with a foul odor
• Flowers: Bell-shaped, pale yellow with purple veins and throat
• Fruit: A capsule containing many small seeds

Toxicity:

• Contains tropane alkaloids:
• Hyoscyamine
• Scopolamine
• Atropine

These compounds affect the nervous system and can cause hallucinations, dilated pupils, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and delirium. Ingestion in large quantities can be fatal.

Uses:

• Traditional Medicine: Used historically as a sedative, analgesic, and for motion sickness
• Modern Medicine: Some compounds (like scopolamine) are still used under controlled circumstances
• Spiritual and Magical Use: Historically used in European and Middle Eastern rituals (notably in witches' brews)

Warnings:

Hyoscyamus niger is highly poisonous. Do not consume or handle without proper knowledge and protection.

Let me know if you want more details on its pharmacology, historical use, or identification features.

Availability: Fruit/seeds (100,250,500, 1000 grams pkt)
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e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com