World Wild Flora - Hyoscyamus niger - A blessing or a curse?

Commonly known as Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger is the poisonous plant from the Solanaceae family. In a local polish language - 'Lulek czarny' is its name. Native to Eurasia, now globally distributed, it's been used as a medicinal plant for ages. Despite it's world wide distribution, it is on the list of endangered species, according to WCU ( World Conservation Union ). Let's have a look.

Historically, Henbane is mentioned as early as AD 1265. Due to it's halucinogenic properties it was used in all kind of 'magic brews' in the middle ages along with Datura, Mandrake and other such plants with 'mystical properties'. In Babilonia it was used to poison arrow points. It's seeds were also found in the Viking's grave in Denmark - what leads to the theories on it's use in causing Berserkers' legendary fighting rage.

As for medicinal uses, parts of the plant that are used are leafs and seeds - with the latter having stronger active properties. Henbane is used as a setative and a pain killer. While considering home use, it is worth knowing that there is a thin line between medicine and poison, so it is strongly recommended doing the proper research on dosing, but also on handling and preparing that plant.

Find out more:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyoscyamus_niger

• http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/h/hyoscyamus-niger=henbane.php

• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lulek_czarny (pl)

• https://www.stolicazdrowia.pl/2384/lulek-czarny-wlasciwosci-lecznicze-zastosowanie-sposob-uzycia/ (pl)

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• https://steemit.com/steemromania/@worldwildflora/worldwildfloracontestweekno7thewinners-svz4jyvzaj

Sony SLT A-33.

I want to give special thanks to @roxy-cat for helping to identify it :)

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