Datura stramonium, also known as Jimsonweed or Thorn Apple, is found in Taiwan, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other places. It is commonly used for bleeding wounds, bruises, swollen and painful injuries, scrofula, and scabies.
Image of Datura stramonium
【Identification of Datura stramonium】
Datura stramonium is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 50 centimeters tall. When broken, it produces white latex. The roots are cylindrical and unbranched, with a dark brown outer skin and a yellow-white inner surface.
The leaves are alternate, oblong, measuring 4.5-6.5 centimeters in length and 1 centimeter in width. They have a blunt apex, a wedge-shaped base, and smooth margins. They are sessile, meaning they do not have a stem. The flowers are usually 6-8 in number and are borne at the top of the stem or singly in the leaf axils. They are pale yellow in color.
The fruit is a spherical capsule with a diameter of about 1.3 centimeters. It is covered in soft spines and splits into 3 compartments when mature. The flowering period is in summer. It grows in grassy slopes.
The roots are cylindrical, conical, or spindle-shaped, with a diameter of 1-8 centimeters. They have a yellow-brown outer skin with longitudinal wrinkles. The interior is powdery and yellow-white, with alternating concave and convex concentric rings.
【Treatment of Gout with Datura stramonium】
In traditional Chinese medicine, Datura stramonium is believed to have the effects of promoting blood circulation, stopping bleeding, killing parasites, and relieving itching. It is commonly used for bleeding wounds, bruises, swollen and painful injuries, scrofula, and scabies.
"Yunnan Herbal Medicine": Stops bleeding, reduces inflammation, and reduces swelling. Used externally for external bleeding.
Datura stramonium is harvested in autumn, washed, sliced, dried, and powdered.
Habitat Distribution:
Datura stramonium grows in open fields, along mountain slopes, or in grassy areas. It is distributed in Yunnan and other places.
Compatibility and Application:
Datura stramonium is used to treat scabies and skin disorders. Datura stramonium and Sichuan pepper are ground into fine powder and mixed with sesame oil or lard for external application. Avoid wind. ("Dian Nan Ben Cao")
【Contraindications of Datura stramonium】
Datura stramonium is not to be taken internally. Contact with the sap during harvesting can cause swelling and peeling of the skin.
1. "Dian Nan Ben Cao": "It is highly toxic and should not be used internally."
2. "Yunnan Herbal Medicine": "During harvesting, avoid contact with the sap on the skin, as it can cause allergic reactions, with symptoms including facial swelling."
3. "National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine": "This product is highly toxic and should be used internally with extreme caution. Poisoning can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, decreased blood pressure, dizziness in severe cases, unsteady gait, and spasms."
"Emergency treatment: ① Gastric lavage, administer sedatives and intravenous fluids. ② Licorice and dried ginger, 9 grams each, mung beans, 15 grams. Decoction for oral administration."
