From Healthline:
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a poisonous plant that has been used as a medicine since ancient times. It is named “Belladonna” for the “beautiful women” of Renaissance Italy, who took it to enlarge their pupils, which they found more alluring.
But it also goes by a more sinister name — deadly nightshade — that implies a darker history. Indeed, not only are its dark berries sometimes known as murderer’s berries, sorcerer’s berries, and even devil’s berries, they are thought to be the poison that caused Juliet to appear dead in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Despite its ominous name, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never used belladonna. It’s an ingredient in a number of medications, and also sold as a supplement. When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, belladonna is in the eye drops.
But how safe is it?
Belladonna, native to Europe and parts of Asia, can grow up to 5 feet. It has purple flowers and dark, inky berries that are slightly sweet.
Belladonna’s so toxic that eating a small quantity of its leaves or berries can be fatal to humans, particularly children, and some animals. Simply touching the leaves can irritate your skin. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not safe when taken orally.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a poisonous plant that has been used as a medicine since ancient times. It is named “Belladonna” for the “beautiful women” of Renaissance Italy, who took it to enlarge their pupils, which they found more alluring.
But it also goes by a more sinister name — deadly nightshade — that implies a darker history. Indeed, not only are its dark berries sometimes known as murderer’s berries, sorcerer’s berries, and even devil’s berries, they are thought to be the poison that caused Juliet to appear dead in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Despite its ominous name, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never used belladonna. It’s an ingredient in a number of medications, and also sold as a supplement. When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, belladonna is in the eye drops.
But how safe is it?
Belladonna, native to Europe and parts of Asia, can grow up to 5 feet. It has purple flowers and dark, inky berries that are slightly sweet.
Belladonna’s so toxic that eating a small quantity of its leaves or berries can be fatal to humans, particularly children, and some animals. Simply touching the leaves can irritate your skin. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not safe when taken orally.