Medicinal Plants : Solanum dulcamara

Name

Nightshade

Biological Name

Solanum dulcamara

Other Names

Bittersweet nightshade, bittersweet, bittersweet herb, bittersweet stems, bittersweet twigs, blue nightshade, felonwort, fever twig, garden nightshade, nightshade, nightshade vine, scarlet berry, staff vine, violet bloom, woody, woody nightshade.

Parts Used

Bark of the root, twigs

Remedies For

Anodyne, diuretic, emetic, purgative.

Although bittersweet nightshade is a relatively weak poison, it is used almost exclusively for external problems. Use it as a poultice for gout and herpes. Combined with chamomile it makes a good ointment for swellings, bruises, sprains, and corns. For skin diseases and sores, combine with yellow dock.

Description

Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial woody vine found in moist areas, around houses, and among hedges and thickets in the eastern and north-central states, the Pacific coast, and in Europe. The shrubby, thumb-thick, ashy-green, somewhat angular, climbing stern can reach a length of up to 10 feet. The dark green (or purplish when young) leaves are alternate and variable in shape. The purple, star- shaped flowers appear from May to August. The fruit is a scarlet, bitter berry that hangs on the vine for months after the leaves have fallen.

Dosage

This is poisonous.

Safety

Caution: This is poisonous.

DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY WITHOUT THE SUPERVISION OF A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL.

NOT RECOMMENDED.