Thorn Apple / Dhatura medicinal use

 Scientific Name:

• Datura metel L.

Family:

• Solanaceae

Common Names:

• English: Thorn Apple

• Sanskrit: Batur, Shivpriya, Dhuttur, Unmatta, Kanak, Matul

• Hindi: Dhatura

• Marathi: Dhatura

• Bengali: Ummatta

• Tamil: Tatur

• Arabic: Dhatura

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Introduction

Datura, also known as Kanak in Charak Samhita and Unmatta in Sushruta Samhita, is considered sacred to Lord Shiva. Its fruits and flowers are traditionally offered in worship. Though categorized as a poisonous plant in Rasa Granthas, its seeds are used in various medicinal formulations. Dhatura is found throughout India, and its main species include:

1. Common Dhatura – A naturalized foreign plant widely spread across India, resembling a shrub.

2. Krishna Dhatura – A potent variety with specific medicinal properties.

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External Appearance

• Annual shrub, 2-5 feet tall.

• Stem: Smooth.

• Leaves: Oblong, spear-shaped, wavy margins, slightly bent, and unevenly arranged.

• Flowers: 5-6 inches long, purple outside, white inside, usually in clusters.

• Fruits: Spherical, lemon-sized, thorny, and hanging downwards.

• Seeds: Yellow or light brown, flat; Krishna Dhatura seeds are black and kidney-shaped.

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Chemical Composition

• Contains alkaloids: Hyoscyamine and Hyoscine (0.25-0.55%).

• Alkaloids found in Caraway and Khurasani are also present in Dhatura.

• Resinous elements and 15-30% fixed oil in seeds.

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Properties

1. Medicinal Benefits:

   • Intoxicating, complexion enhancer, stimulant, and astringent.

   • Kills lice and nits, reduces fever, and treats ulcers and skin diseases.

   • Beneficial in respiratory disorders like asthma.

2. Healing Effects:

   • Astringent, bitter, promotes wound healing.

   • Reduces phlegm, itching, and fever.

   • Induces confusion and is considered a sedative.

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Medicinal Uses

1. Headache:

• Swallowing 2-3 seeds regularly helps in chronic headaches.

2. Head Lice:

• Boil 4 seers of mustard oil, 16 seers of Dhatura leaf juice, and 16 seers of Dhatura leaf paste on low flame until only oil remains.

• Apply to hair to eliminate lice.

3. Mania (Mental Disorders):

• Method 1: Mix Krishna Dhatura seeds with Pitta Papada juice and consume.

• Method 2:

  • Take equal parts of pure Dhatura seeds and black pepper, make fine powder, and form 100 mg tablets.

  • Take 1-2 tablets with butter twice daily.

  • Useful for alcohol-induced, postpartum, and heatstroke-induced mania.

4. Eye Disease:

• Apply juice of fresh Dhatura leaves to aching eyes to reduce redness, swelling, and burning.

5. Breast Swelling:

• Heat and tie Dhatura leaves on swollen breasts to relieve pain and prevent milk accumulation.

6. Asthma Relief:

• Method 1: Smoke dried Dhatura fruits, branches, and leaves.

• Method 2: Smoke a bidi made from half-dried Dhatura leaves (maximum 2 in 15 minutes).

• Method 3: Mix equal parts of Dhatura, tobacco, Apamarg, and Javansa into powder and smoke it.

• Method 4: Mix equal parts of Dhatura, black tea, saltpeter, and tobacco, make a bidi, and smoke for relief.

7. Cholera Treatment:

• Swallow Dhatura saffron in batasha to alleviate symptoms.

8. Pregnancy Aid:

• Lick 1/4 gram of fruit powder mixed with ghee and honey for conception support.

9. Arthritis and Joint Pain:

• Method 1: Extract Dhatura panchang juice, cook in sesame oil, and massage affected areas.

• Method 2: Take half grain of Dhatura extract three times daily.

• Method 3: Apply Dhatura leaf paste or tie poultice on painful joints.

10. Swelling Relief:

• Mix Shilajit with ground Dhatura leaves and apply for relief from:

  • Testicular swelling

  • Stomach swelling

  • Lung membrane inflammation

  • Joint and bone swelling

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Precautions

• Toxic plant – Should be used under strict medical supervision.

• Avoid excessive consumption, as it can lead to hallucinations, confusion, or poisoning.

• Do not give Dhatura to those with sensitivity or intolerance.