Botanical Overview
Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as Black henbane or simply Henbane, belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The medicinally used parts include the leaf, seed, and root. Henbane has a long history of use in Western and Unani herbal traditions.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying, with bitter and pungent tastes. Its energetic action is generally inward and descending with a relaxing tonicity primarily affecting the qi aspect.
Primary Actions
- Anticholinergic
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Bronchodilator
- Nervine
- Sedative
Indications
Western
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Motion sickness
- Digestive cramps
- Bronchial asthma
- Painful cough
- Insomnia
Syndromes
- Spastic disorders
- Neuralgia
- Bronchospasm
TCM
No notable traditional Chinese Medicine indications documented.
Ayurveda
No well-established Ayurvedic uses documented.
Unani
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Nervous disorders
Syndromes
- Convulsions
- Bronchial complaints
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, along with flavonoids and saponins. These alkaloids exert anticholinergic, antispasmodic, and sedative effects by blocking muscarinic receptors.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:10 (40%) 1-3 mL, 1-3 times daily (professional use only)
- Standardized alkaloid extracts (used clinically under supervision)
- Topical preparations as prescribed
Safety & Contraindications
Hyoscyamus niger is toxic in overdose due to tropane alkaloids and requires careful professional supervision. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, and tachyarrhythmia. Interaction with other anticholinergic or sedative drugs may cause additive adverse effects. Monitoring for anticholinergic toxicity is essential with use.
Astrological Correspondences
Traditional astrological associations attribute Hyoscyamus niger primarily to Saturn and Mars as planetary rulers, with Fire as its elemental ruler.
Selected References
- Assessment report on Hyoscyamus niger L., Herba – European Medicines Agency (2016)
- Hyoscyamus niger L. – Black Henbane – Plants For A Future
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 – World Health Organization (1999)
- Hyoscyamus niger – James A. Duke, Handbook of Medicinal Herbs (2002)
- Hyoscyamus niger — Henbane – Maud Grieve, A Modern Herbal (1931)
- Hyoscyamus niger – Harvey Wickes Felter, Kings American Dispensatory (1898)
- Hyoscyamus niger – Simon Mills and Kerry Bone, Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy (2000)
- Hyoscyamus niger – Richard Alan Miller, Planetary Herbology (1998)