While the exact origin of the thorn apple is disputed, it has been spread worldwide to this day, not least because of the hallucinogenic effects of the plant. Although the datura is no longer used medicinally today due to its toxicity, the decorative flowers are the reason for sowing and propagating in many private gardens.

Datura seeds are particularly poisonous

The early use of datura as an intoxicant

In the cultures of many indigenous peoples, parts and extracts of thorn apple were used as a narcotic in ritual acts because of their hallucinogenic effects. Datura was also known in Europe in the Middle Ages as a magic herb used by faith healers and as a compulsory drug in prostitution. However, in most cases the intoxicating effect is overshadowed by the high potency of the toxins, which is why the Roman writer Pliny described thorn apple as the basis for the production of spear poison. The toxic effect has also manifested itself in the following slang terms for datura:

  • sleeping herb
  • witch herb
  • toadstool
  • devil apple

The toxins contained in Datura and their effects

The following toxins are particularly concentrated in the seeds of datura, but also in all other parts of the plant:

  • atropine
  • scopolamine
  • hyoscyamine

In addition, other toxic substances are present in smaller quantities, which can lead to the following symptoms even in minimal doses:

  • skin irritation
  • confusion
  • restlessness
  • visual disturbances
  • cramps
  • fits of rage
  • death from respiratory arrest

Datura culture precautions

In the meantime there have been attempts to reduce or completely eliminate the concentration of toxins contained in cultivated forms of Datura for cultivation in the garden. However, if in doubt, you should refrain from growing datura if you regularly have children playing in your garden or pets that roam freely. Also note that due to its large seed count, annual datura can proliferate on its own after initial cultivation.

tips

Based on today's findings on the toxicity of thornapple, any use for therapeutic (apart from professional use in homeopathy) or intoxicating purposes is generally not recommended, since even supposedly low doses can quickly lead to death from respiratory paralysis due to the fluctuating poison content.

Category:

Herbs