Datura stramonium

Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimson weed or devil's snare, is a plant species in the nightshade family and Datura genus. It is native to the Americas, but is now found around the world.

Description

Datura stramonium is an annual herb, which grows up to 5 feet in height. The leaves are soft, irregularly undulate, and toothed. The fragrant flowers are trumpet-shaped, white to creamy or violet, and 2.5 to 3.5 inches long, and grow on a short stalk from either the axils of the leaves or the places where the branches fork. The egg-shaped seed capsule is walnut-sized and either covered with spines or bald. At maturity, it splits into four chambers, each with dozens of small, black seeds.

Uses

Datura stramonium has been used for centuries in some cultures as a poison and hallucinogen. There have been reports of people hospitalized, and even dying, after mistakenly eating Datura. However, there are also accounts of Datura being used for its medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for asthma symptoms and as an analgesic during surgery or bonesetting. It is also a powerful hallucinogen and deliriant, which is used spiritually for the intense visions it produces.

Toxicity

All parts of Datura stramonium are poisonous, especially the seeds and flowers. It can cause delirium, hyperthermia, tachycardia, bizarre behavior, and severe mydriasis with resultant painful photophobia that can last several days. Pronounced amnesia is another commonly reported effect. The onset of symptoms generally occurs around 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting the herb. These symptoms generally last from 24 to 48 hours, but have been reported in some cases to last as long as 2 weeks.

See also

• Datura
• Nightshade
• Hallucinogen
• Deliriant

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