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Uses

Toxic parts

All parts of the plant are very toxic[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma and death from heart or respiratory failure[7].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Hyoscyamus albus.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Hyoscyamus albus.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Henbane has a very long history of use as a medicinal herb, and has been widely cultivated to meet the demand for its use[8]. It is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer and is specifically used for pain affecting the urinary tract, especially when due to kidney stones[9]. Its sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, relieving tremor and rigidity during the early stages of the disease[9]. This species is generally considered the best for internal use, whilst the black henbane (H. niger) is the form most used externally[8].

All parts of the plant, but especially the leaves and the seeds, can be used - they are anodyne, antispasmodic, mildly diuretic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic, narcotic and sedative[8][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, motion sickness, Meniere's syndrome, tremor in senility or paralysis and as a pre-operative medication[7]. Henbane reduces mucous secretions, as well as saliva and other digestive juices[9]. Externally, it is used as an oil to relieve painful conditions such as neuralgia, dental and rheumatic pains[7][9].The leaves should be harvested when the plant is in full flower and they can then be dried for later use[8]. This is a very poisonous plant that should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[12][7]. See the notes above on toxicity.

The seed is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, epilepsy, myalgia and toothache[16].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, older seed rapidly loses viability[6]. Either sow in situ or pot up the seedlings whilst still small because plants produce a long taproot and older plants resent root disturbance[6].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Hyoscyamus albus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a hot dry position[6] in a wall or rock crevice[17]. Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil, preferably of an alkaline nature, in full sun[6]. Grows well in maritime areas[6].

Plants are possibly hardy to about -10°c[17], they are unlikely to succeed in the colder areas of Britain.

Self-sows freely, it can be grown in wild informal areas of the garden[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Hyoscyamus albus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Hyoscyamus albus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Hyoscyamus albus
Genus
Hyoscyamus
Family
Solanaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Hyoscyamus albus1FLCA.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (1980-00-00)
    3. ? Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
    4. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.7 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    15. ? 15.015.1 Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista ISBN 0-289-70864-8 (1979-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)

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