How to prevent belladonna poisoning?

Belladonna, belladonna, mad cherry - all these are names of the same unique plant, which has both healing and poisonous properties. Belladonna () means "beautiful woman" in Italian. This is due to the use of the plant in ancient times for cosmetic purposes. Ladies rubbed flowers and leaves on their cheeks to give their faces a spectacular blush, and dropped the juice into their eyes. At the same time, the pupils dilated and shone beautifully. But it is easy to get poisoned if you come into contact with belladonna., so such makeup products are a thing of the past. However, the plant is used in both folk and official medicine.

Uses of belladonna

The plant belongs to the nightshade family and is widespread in many countries with temperate climates. The low bush is unpretentious to living conditions and prefers places with high humidity. The leaves are velvety, and the soft lilac flowers are bell-shaped. In place of the flower, a rather large berry, dark and shiny, then develops. Belladonna is often mistaken for nightshade.

Belladonna is most often used in homeopathy and herbal medicine, in the preparation of complex herbal preparations. It is included in medications to eliminate the following problems:

1. treatment of gastrointestinal tract tumors;
2. relieving inflammation in the liver and ducts;
3. reducing excess sweating.

The poisonous plant contains large amounts of the alkaloid atropine. This is a substance that affects the human nervous system and has antispasmodic properties. In medicine it is used in the following situations:

1. to reduce bronchospasm;
2. to relieve uterine hypertonicity after abortion or childbirth;
3. for intestinal spasms caused by colitis or another cause;
4. to dilate the pupil during fundus examination and intraocular pressure measurement.

Atropine helps to quickly relax smooth muscles, which is why it is used during resuscitation. It saves patients with rapid heartbeat and relieves shock after injury. Belladonna officinalis is included in drugs for the treatment of hemorrhoids, diseases of the nervous system, gastritis, and closed forms of tuberculosis. A natural antispasmodic relieves the patient’s condition when stones pass from the kidneys or bile ducts.

Belladonna herb, fresh or dried, is used to make decoctions, tinctures with alcohol or oil, and added to herbal teas. But the beneficial properties of belladonna can only be revealed by a homeopath who has experience working with this dangerous plant.

Why is belladonna dangerous for humans?

In inept hands or when the dose is exceeded, atropine in belladonna juice greatly inhibits the functioning of the nervous system, which negatively affects all major vital functions. It quickly relaxes smooth muscles and slows down the heart rate. Therefore, the belladonna plant is contraindicated in any medications:

1. for young children; In order to remove the toxic substance from the body as quickly as possible, the victim’s intestines are washed (they are given an enema with clean water or given a laxative). Enemas are contraindicated for children with belladonna poisoning! Before the doctor arrives, the child should be given Regidron solution or still mineral water.

   Treatment of belladonna poisoning

   All parts of the belladonna herb are poisonous. Therefore, it is necessary to take the victim to the hospital within several hours after contact with the plant. Assistance in a hospital setting includes the following measures:

   1. introduction of Ezerin (Prozerin, Pilocarpine) as an antidote;
   2. intramuscular administration of Aminazine, if the patient is excited and aggressive;
   3. inhalation of humidified oxygen;
   4. for general weakness - caffeine orally or subcutaneously.

   Belladonna poisoning is often fatal. In this regard, the patient is under round-the-clock supervision of a toxicologist for at least 7–10 days. This helps prevent the development of complications from the heart and respiratory system. Complete cleansing of the body from belladonna (belladonna) extract occurs only after 3 weeks.

   Prevention of poisoning

   It’s easy to come across belladonna flowers or berries while walking in the forest. Therefore, the best prevention of poisoning is to follow the following precautions:

   1. It is strictly forbidden to taste unfamiliar berries;
   2. After picking flowers, you should wash your hands thoroughly;
   3. Before taking any drug with belladonna, you must consult your doctor and strictly follow the prescribed dosage;
   4. Do not self-medicate with belladonna decoction or infusion.

   The same recommendations apply to any. Children should be taught to be careful from an early age to prevent accidental poisoning. Children should take all walks in unfamiliar areas only in the presence of their parents.