GARDEN NIGHTSHADE Solanum nigrum, L.( N. O.: Solonaceae)
Features: Often thought of as the Deadly Nightshade, but should not be confused with Belladonna. The Solanum nigrum is the rarer of the many species.
In comparison with Belladonna it has smaller, smoother stems; a purple colour; it is more erect; 1 – 3 ft. high, and it has dull, instead of shining black berries. It is found along walls and fences, and in gardens, in various parts of the United States of America.
The small white or pale violet flowers can be seen in July and August; in some areas the ripe berries, green berries and the flowers are seen on the plant together. The berries are poisonous, but boiling destroys the toxic properties in the ripe, black berries, and they are often made into pies. Medicinal Part: The leaves. Solvents: Water, alcohol. Bodily Influence: Narcotic, Sedative. Uses: The Indians used a decoction as an eye wash. It is said that the young leaves and stems can be boiled as pot herbs.
Parkinson wrote:“ The root boiled in wine and a little thereof held in the mouth eases the pain of toothache.”
It can be used to tighten the gums when teeth are loose. In consequence of its peculiar power over the nerve centres, it is an appropriate remedy for epilepsy, spasms and cramps of the extremities.
Dr. G. P. Wood, M. D., and Dr. E. H. Ruddock, M. D.:“ In angina pectoris( one form of heart disease) it is said it often acts admirably, and likewise in inflammation of the eyes. In small doses it relieves headache of a nervous, congective character.
The leaves have been freely used in cancer, scurvy and scrofulous affection, in the form of an ointment. For home use it is best to use the plant in the ointment preparation, as in internal, large amounts it will produce sickness and vertigo, and in most cases should be prescribed by persons knowing both patient and medication. Dose: 1 teaspoonful of the leaves cut small to 1 cup of boiling water, taken a teaspoonful at a time. Of the tincture, ½ – 1 min. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of fresh plant— Amaurosis, Chorea, Headache, Heartburn, Hydrocephalus, Mania, Meningitis, Night-terrors, Parotitis, Peritonitis, Puerperal convulsions, Scarlatina, Smallpox, Stammering, Tetanus, Tympanites, Typhoid fever, Varicosis, Vertigo, Ulcers. India and Pakistan: Black nightshade is Makoy, or Kakmachi, to the people of India and Pakistan. The detailed knowledge of the plant, leaves and berries elaborate our study. Accordingly a valuable Heart tonic, Alterative, Diuretic, Sedative, Expectorant, Diaphoretic, Cathartic Hydragogue, Anodyne.
The berries contain the toxic alkaloid, solanine. They are alterative, diuretic and tonic, used in fever, diarrhoea, anasarca and heart disease. Also used to dilate the pupil. The plant juice in doses of 6 – 7 oz. in chronic enlargement of the liver, chronic skin diseases, spitting of blood and haemorrhoids. The leaf juice for inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, gonorrhoea, chronic enlargement of the liver and spleen. A hot infusion is a strong diaphoretic, 1 – 2 grains only. As a diuretic and depurative a decoction of the leaves is used for dropsy, chronic enlargement of liver and jaundice. Syrup of the herb is used as expectorant, diaphoretic, in cooling drinks for fevers.