White Henbane
Hyoscyamus albus
Family: Solanaceae
What it is like
Hyoscyamus albus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Dry, uncultivated ground, walls and field margins.
S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 4
Henbane has a very long history of use as a medicinal herb, and has been widely cultivated to meet the demand for its use. It is used extensively as a sedative and pain killer and is specifically used for pain affecting the urinary tract, especially when due to kidney stones. Its sedative and antispasmodic effect makes it a valuable treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, relieving tremor and rigidity during the early stages of the disease. This species is generally considered the best for internal use, whilst the black henbane (H. niger) is the form most used externally. All parts of the plant, but especially the leaves and the seeds, can be used - they are anodyne, antispasmodic, mildly diuretic, hallucinogenic, hypnotic, mydriatic, narcotic and sedative. The plant is used internally in the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, motion sickness, Meniere's syndrome, tremor in senility or paralysis and as a pre-operative medication. Henbane reduces mucous secretions, as well as saliva and other digestive juices. Externally, it is used as an oil to relieve painful conditions such as neuralgia, dental and rheumatic pains.The leaves should be harvested when the plant is in full flower and they can then be dried for later use. This is a very poisonous plant that should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity. The seed is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, epilepsy, myalgia and toothache.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
Hallucinogenic: Causes the mind to hallucinate.
Hypnotic: Induces sleep.
Mydriatic: Dilates the pupils of the eyes.
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a hot dry position in a wall or rock crevice. Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil, preferably of an alkaline nature, in full sun. Grows well in maritime areas. Plants are possibly hardy to about -10°c, they are unlikely to succeed in the colder areas of Britain. Self-sows freely, it can be grown in wild informal areas of the garden.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, older seed rapidly loses viability. Either sow in situ or pot up the seedlings whilst still small because plants produce a long taproot and older plants resent root disturbance.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In.
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are very toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include impaired vision, convulsions, coma and death from heart or respiratory failure.