Belladonna

Health and belladonna

1. There are various unclear scientific evidences relating to the health benefits of belladonna. However more research is required in these fields to prove the safety and effectiveness of belladonna.
   
   
   
   
2. Belladonna can reduce the amount of mucus production and relax the air passage in the lungs.
3. Belladonna is also used as a headache cure, for ear infection, irritable bowel syndrome, correct the nervous system disorders, and decrease PMS symptoms and menopausal symptoms (hot flashes).
4. Besides these there are various health conditions like acute infections, anxiety, arthritis, hemorrhoids, hay fever, gout, diverticulitis, kidney stones, measles, mumps, muscle spasm, short bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, sore throat, tooth ache and many more, but there is no scientific evidence to prove these benefits.

Side effects of belladonna

1. Small doses of this herb is generally safe for non-allergic, healthy individuals, but can cause frequent side effects like dilated pupils, dry mouth, skin rashes, confusion, nervousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.
2. Belladonna alkaloids administration can also inhibit cognitive function and gastrointestinal motility.
3. Very high doses can also lead to death. But in children a small dose can also be fatal as the symptoms might appear long after an overdose has occurred.
4. At dilute concentrations also belladonna can cause dry skin, flushing, sun sensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, headache, blurred vision, photosensitivity, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, convulsions or coma.
   
   
   
   
5. People with Down’s syndrome or myasthenia graves are especially sensitive to belladonna.
6. Belladonna should be avoided by children, old people, and people with heart diseases, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms or fluid in lungs.
7. Belladonna can also affect the activity of stomach and intestines so should be avoided in ulcers, reflex, and hiatus hernia, poor movements of intestine, colitis, constipation or after a surgery.
8. Belladonna ingredients are also found in breast milk of nursing mothers, thus use of belladonna is not recommended for them as it can be prove dangerous for infants.