Henbane, Black
Hyoscyamus niger
Family: Solanaceae
TOXIC
Annual. Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. An eerie
plant with grayish-green leaves covered in sticky hairs, the flowers off-white
and covered with black-purple dots and veins. Old world black magic
practitioners discovered that ingestion of large doses of this plant causes
convulsions. Contains hyoscyamine and other active alkaloids.
Externally, Henbane can be very safely massaged into the spine as tincture,
salve or oil, making an effective cerebro-spinal sedative, to allay pain
and spasm. To make an oil infusion, first make a strong tincture,
then add it to hot oil (150 degrees F) stirring constantly. The tincture
will evaporate off, leaving the hyoscyamine in the oil. The bottle
must be appropriately labeled NOT FOR INTERNAL USE.All
parts of the plant are potentially toxic--do not allow toddlers (or chickens)
near it. Cultivation: Extra care. Short-lived seed.
Sow in the early spring, or chill seed in wet sand in the refrigerator
before sowing in warm soil. Seed requires organic, non-sterilized
potting soil to germ (dependent on Gibberellic acid in medium). Germ.
in 9 days. Prefers full sun, dryish soils. Plant 6 inches apart.
Flowers to 18 inches high. Not for sale to WA or CA states.
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