Atropa belladonna

Deadly Nightshade, Solanaceae. Called belladonna because Italian women used to apply juice from the berries around their eyes to dilate the pupils and make the eyes appear larger. All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid hyosyamine which is easily converted into atropine. Atropine is a central nervous system stimulant. (“Medicinal Plants and their History” Edith Grey Wheelwright, 1932) Alkaloids being plant constituents which cross the blood-brain barrier (eg morphine, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine etc) the key is they end in -ine. Many species in the Solanaceae family are high in alkaloid content. Toxic often, but strongly medicinal when used properly. Deadly Nightshade, long associated with witchcraft. Typically thought to be part of the “flying formula”, herbs that assisted witches to fly. Perhaps due to the often hallucinogenic effects that can be attributed to Atropa consumption. One of the most toxic plants , but very magickal. A teacher.