Dhattura (Datura metel), commonly referred to as thorn apple, is regarded as one of the deadliest plants. Despite being toxic, this herb is a main component of many Ayurvedic formulas following the purifying process. It is a very remarkable powerhouse of different medicinal components if it is properly cleansed. It is used both internally and externally in Ayurveda medicine to treat a variety of skin conditions.
Datura, in all its forms-leaves, fruits, flowers, stems, and roots-has long been utilized in complementary and alternative medicine. However, because of the plant’s potent hallucinogenic effects, Datura is frequently used to treat asthma and lessen pain during surgical and bone-setting procedures.
Description
In temperate to tropical regions of the world, it is frequently planted as an ornamental and also employed as a pesticide and repellent. Its blooms have anti-asthmatic characteristics, and it possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-rheumatic capabilities among other medical qualities. Seeds, leaves, and roots have febrifuge, antidiarrheal, and anti-catarrhal effects.
Botanical Name:
Datura metel
Family:
Solanaceae
Leaves:
Simple, alternating, petiolate leaves with whole or strongly lobed margins are seen. They have an oval to broad oval form and are frequently dark violet in hue.
Flowers:
The enormous, trumpet-shaped flowers of Datura metel are its most remarkable characteristic. This 8–10 inch long blossoms might be white, purple, or yellow. Because of their strongest fragrance at night, sphinx moths come to pollinate them.
Roots:
Unlike the fleshy roots of perennial species, these roots are branched tap roots.
Habitat:
Tropical regions of India and the temperate regions of the Himalayas are typical locations for Datura metel. Also discovered in roadside vegetation and other barren areas around Bangladesh In certain areas of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, it is invasive.
Parts Used:
- Seeds
- Leaves
- Flower
- Root bark
Dosage:
- Seed – 50 – 100 mg
Chemical Constituents
Hyoscyamine, Niacin, Tropine, Vitamin C, Meteolodine, Fastusic acid, Noratropine, hyosine,Scopalamine, Fastudine, Daturadiol, Allantoin, etc.
Sanskrit Synonyms
Shivapriya – its flowers are used in worshiping Lord Shiva Matulaputraka.
Dhuttura,Kanaka, Kanakahvya (golden yellow colored seeds), Dhurta, Umatta, Matula – having hallucinating effect
Mahamohi – Datura is highly narcotic
Kantaphala – Fruits are covered with spines
Ghantapushpa – Flowers are funnel shaped
Other Language Names of Dhattura (Datura metel)
Bengal name – Dhattura
Gujarati name -Dhattura
Marathi name – Dhattura
Urdu name – Dhattura
Tamil name – Ummattangani/Vella-Ummathai
Kannada name – Unmatta, Dhattura
Arabian name – Datur
Farsi name – Tatur
Sanskrit name – Dhuttura Kanaka, Kanakahvya
Hindi name – Sada Dhattura
English name – Thorn apple, Devil’s trumpet, Metel
Telugu name – Ummetta
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Salanaceae |
| Genus | Datura |
| Species | Metel |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa -Laghu, Rooksha
- Guna -Tikta, Katu
- Virya -Ushna
- Vipaka -Katu
English
- Taste -Light, Dry
- Physical Property-Bitter, Pungent
- Potency- Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Pungent
Dhattura (Datura metel) Uses
- For the treatment of asthma, dysuria, and chronic respiratory conditions, oral administration of pure Datura seed is advised.
- It plays a big role in the preoperative indication as well.
- It works well for arthritis problems and is beneficial in reducing aches.
- This plant works well for dilating the pupil of the eye in ophthalmic cases.
- It is also a beneficial herb for fever relief.
- Certain regions, such as Java, use seeds to fill cavities or chew them to ease tooth discomfort.
Dhattura (Datura metel) Benefits
Relaxes the Mind:
Datura (Datura metel) is well known for its mental health benefits. In addition to elevating mood, the sedative, hypnotic, and adaptogenic qualities reduce stress. It is very important for restoring equilibrium to the Vata and Pitta Doshas in the body, which regulates the amount of serotonin, the stress hormone.
Fever:
As an antimalarial, it lowers body temperature, stops malaria-causing parasites from growing, and keeps infections from getting worse. Because of its antipyretic qualities, the fruit of this plant is beneficial in treating various forms of fever as well as fever brought on by the flu, the common cold, and influenza.
Heart Health:
It has the potential to relax the cardiovascular system by soothing the body and mind. This may help lower blood pressure, lessen the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes, and benefit those who experience palpitations or cardiac arrhythmias.
Bolsters Immune System:
Datura is one of the most well-known folk treatments for boosting the immune system, combating bacteria, and protecting the body against numerous infections because of its high concentration of antioxidants and ascorbic acid. Additionally, Datura exhibits potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal qualities that aid in the healing of wounds as well as the elimination of bacteria and other germs from the body.
Insomnia:
Dhattura has a significant function in insomnia by promoting sleep and calming the mind. As a naturally occurring sedative, it increases the quantity and caliber of sleep. By calming the nerves and controlling the production of chemicals that lessen bodily pain, it improves sleep disturbances.
Dhattura (Datura metel) Side Effects
High Toxicity:
Toxic alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine are present in every section of Dhattura. A tiny quantity can be lethal.
Severe Physical Effects:
Dry lips, trouble swallowing, elevated heart rate, delirium, convulsions, coma, and even death are some of these symptoms.
Mental Impairment:
Serious confusion, amnesia, and psychosis can be brought on by dhattura.
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Conclusion
This plant is incredibly beneficial and may treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, heart difficulties, respiratory disorders, mental symptoms, sleeplessness, depression, and digestive and skin disorders; it should only be used with a doctor’s approval. It can be exceedingly deadly and detrimental to your health to use an impure plant part or take an inappropriate dosage.
FAQS
What advantages does Datura offer?
The plant has several sections that are used to manufacture medication. Datura wrightii is used as a hallucinogen even though it is generally considered hazardous. In addition, it is used as a medication for skin conditions, appetite loss, and wound healing.
In what ways does Ayurveda use Datura?
Datura holds a very special place in Ayurveda medicine since the entire plant—leaves, petals, seeds, and roots—has been utilized for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of rabies, leprosy, insanity, and other conditions.
What adverse consequences does Datura fruit have?
When consumed orally, Datura wrightii is most likely unsafe. It contains potentially hazardous substances. Dry mouth, dilated pupils, impaired vision, breathing difficulties, panic attacks, and even death are possible side effects.