The 2016 A-Z CHALLENGE brought to you by The Letter "N"

Hello! And welcome to the 2016 A-Z CHALLENGE!!

* confetti *

This year, I’m blogging my way through a botanical alphabet. 

I hope you enjoy your time here and by all means, 

come back tomorrow and see what plant I’m highlighting next! Cheers!!

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NIGHTSHADE

specifically atropa belladonna

photo found at www.botanical.com

Nightshade isn't a plant but a family of plants. The benign and more familiar of the family are tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. For this post, however, I want to focus on one of the more infamous examples: Dead Nightshade or Belladonna.

Deadly Nightshade flourishes in the shade though it will grow in sunlight but it won't thrive. It has a beautiful flower and tempting, shiny berries but do beware: the plant is very, very poisonous. If taken accidentally, the poison may be prevented by swallowing a large glass of warm vinegar or mustard and water as soon as possible. Not sure what will happen after you've drunk either of these concoctions but I wouldn't leave home if I were you.

According to legend, the plant belongs to the devil and he goes about tending and trimming it at his leisure.

The poison in Belladonna is Atropine which, if misused, can certainly cause death. If it is used by a skillful herbalist or homeopathic doctor Atropine is effective in the treatment of eye diseases. This is one remedy I wouldn't recommend you distilling yourself, unless of course you have a fondness for purging via vinegar.

Sorry.

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All research references can be found in my Library of Botanical Miscellany. 

Disclaimer

These posts are in NO WAY medical suggestions. They are intended for informational purposes only.

If you are interested in pursuing natural, herbal remedies, get thee to a reputable herb shop (preferably one that is locally and independently owned and operated) and get educated!

Disclaimer II

It’s ridiculous that anyone writing about herbal and traditional remedies should have to put a disclaimer at the end of anything. 

Use your brain and think for yourself! Just as you shouldn't take a pharmaceutical at face value, 

do your herbal research and learn about the amazing plants around us.