White Henbane
NameWhite Henbane
Scientific NameHyoscyamus albus
Common NamesWhite Henbane
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatCommonly found in disturbed areas, roadsides, waste ground, sandy soils, and coastal regions, particularly prevalent in the Mediterranean basin and parts of Europe and Asia.
Parts Usedleaf,seed
Medicinal Actionsanalgesic,sedative,nervine
Traditional UsesHistorically used as a powerful sedative, anodyne (pain reliever), and antispasmodic. It was traditionally employed for conditions such as insomnia, nervous agitation, toothache, and asthma, and sometimes as a pre-anesthetic. Due to its extreme toxicity, its internal use is largely obsolete in modern herbalism, replaced by safer alternatives, though it was also used externally for localized pain relief.
Active Constituentshyoscyamine, scopolamine, atropine
Preparation Methodsinfusion,tincture,poultice,powder
Contraindications & WarningsEXTREMELY TOXIC. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, heart conditions, and in children. Can cause severe poisoning, hallucinations, delirium, coma, and death. Not for internal self-medication. Interactions with other anticholinergic drugs, sedatives, and alcohol are possible and dangerous.
Cultivation NotesPrefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate poor soils and is often found in ruderal habitats. Propagated by seed. Due to its high toxicity, extreme caution is required when handling or cultivating this plant.
Raritycommon
Description
A herbaceous annual or biennial plant, typically low-growing, characterized by soft, hairy, irregularly lobed leaves. It produces pale yellow to greenish-yellow, bell-shaped flowers with a distinctive dark purple throat, often appearing in the leaf axils.
