Datura: A Comprehensive Guide to its Uses and Side Effects dose

Datura

Botanical Name

Datura stramonium

Common Name

Jimsonweed, thorn apple, devil's trumpet, mad apple, toé

Family

Solanaceae

Parts Used

Leaves, seeds, and roots

Native To

Central and South America, but now found worldwide as an introduced species

Datura stramonium, commonly known as Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet, or Mad Apple, and Brugmansia (commonly called Angel’s Trumpet), both belong to the Solanaceae family, which includes a variety of other psychoactive plants such as belladonna. These two plants are famous for their hallucinogenic effects, and both have a rich history in South American shamanic practices and witchcraft traditions. They contain potent alkaloids like atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which have psychoactive properties, but also pose significant risks due to their toxicity.

Traditional Use

In South American shamanic traditions, Datura stramonium has been used for centuries in various rituals such as initiation rites, vision quests, and healing ceremonies. It was regarded as a plant that allowed the user to transcend the physical world and communicate with the spirit realm, often used to induce altered states of consciousness. Similarly, Brugmansia, often referred to as the plant of the ancestors, has been used in shamanic healing for its visionary properties. Both plants were frequently used in witchcraft as ingredients in flying ointments and other concoctions meant to induce hallucinations or altered states.

Psychoactive Effects and Dangers

Both plants contain atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can induce intense hallucinations, delirium, and in some cases, death when consumed in large quantities. These alkaloids interact with the nervous system, often causing disorientation, delusions, and an altered perception of reality. The effects are not predictable and can be extremely dangerous—overdose can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, fever, dry mouth, urinary retention, blindness, and death.

For example, Datura stramonium has caused numerous reports of poisoning and death from accidental ingestion or improper use. The toxicity of Datura can lead to extreme confusion, agitation, hyperthermia, and hallucinations that can be overwhelming and dangerous.

Personal Accounts

Carlos Castaneda, in his book The Teachings of Don Juan, recounts his experiences with Datura in the Yaqui shamanic tradition. Castaneda's vivid descriptions of his experiences with hallucinations and visions show the terrifying nature of the plant's effects, where the line between reality and hallucination becomes blurred.

Aldous Huxley, in The Doors of Perception, discusses the dangers and unpredictability of psychoactive substances, emphasizing the importance of caution when dealing with substances that alter perception. While not referring specifically to Datura, his concerns about the psychological risks of hallucinogens align with the dangers of these plants.

Recent Research and Observations

While Datura and Brugmansia have historical and cultural significance, modern accounts of their usage indicate the considerable risks they pose. Accidental poisoning continues to be a problem, particularly with Datura, which can be misidentified or consumed in inappropriate amounts. Livestock and even humans have suffered severe consequences from ingesting parts of the plant, sometimes leading to death. For instance, a study in Southern Africa reported several cases of animal poisonings from accidental ingestion of Datura (Kanchanapoom et al., 2012).

Safety and Toxicity

The toxicity of Datura stramonium and Brugmansia cannot be overstated. These plants contain potent tropane alkaloids that, in high doses, can be fatal. The hallucinogenic effects of Datura can also be dangerous because the visions or experiences can feel very real and induce psychological distress. Some individuals have experienced terrifying episodes of delirium and disorientation while under the influence of these plants, and the effects can last for several hours to days.

Given the unpredictable nature of the psychoactive effects and the potential for overdose, Datura should never be consumed recreationally or without supervision by an experienced practitioner. It is not recommended for any form of casual use.

Safety and Toxicity

References:

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