White Thorn-apple

The scientific name of White Thorn-apple: Datura stramonium Linn.

Name of White Thorn-apple in different languages:-

Sanskrit: Dhattura, Dusthara, Unmatta

English: White Thorn-apple

Hindi: Datura

Malayalam: Vellayummam- വെള്ളയുമ്മം.

Plant description:

White Thornapple is a medium annual shrub erect grows up to 2m tall; and has an unpleasant smell; commonly found in wasteland areas, roadsides, abandoned places, etc., and its stems are slender-branched, and green in color. The leaves are smooth, pale yellow-green, approximately 8 to 20 cm long, smooth, toothed, and irregular in shape, The flowers are white, like a trumpet; Fruits are covered with thorns and contain many seeds inside.

Leaf Arrangement

Useful plant parts: 

Flower, leaf, whole plant

Chemical contents:

Anti-asthmatic agent – atropine

Medicinal uses:

The leaves of this plant are used in the treatment of swelling due to the bite of poisonous insects.
To treat asthma, the leaves are generally smoked either in a cigarette or a pipe.

Ayurvedic medicinal Uses

White Thorn-Apple, scientifically known as Datura metal, has a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, though it is important to note that it contains toxic alkaloids and should be used with extreme caution. Here are some traditional Ayurvedic uses:

1. Pain Relief: In certain formulations, it’s used for its potential analgesic properties.

2. Respiratory Disorders: Used cautiously for conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

3. Anti-inflammatory: It may be used to address inflammation but with great care due to its toxicity.

4. Rheumatism: Employed for its potential benefits in managing rheumatic conditions.

5. Antispasmodic: Some traditional remedies use it to alleviate muscle spasms.

6. Nervous Disorders: Used in specific formulations for certain nervous system disorders.

7. Sedative Properties: Due to its potential sedative effects, it’s used cautiously in certain contexts.

8. Skin Conditions: In some formulations, it’s used for certain skin disorders, but extreme caution is advised.

9. Digestive Issues: Used in specific cases to address digestive disorders, but with great care.

10. Fever Management: It may be used to reduce fever, but this application requires expert knowledge due to its toxicity.

It’s crucial to reiterate that the White Thorn-Apple is a highly toxic plant and should not be used without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional well-versed in both Ayurvedic and conventional medicine. It’s not recommended for self-medication. Extreme caution should be exercised, and dosage should be strictly controlled to prevent potential harm.

One of the ingredients in the Ayurveda medicine:

Dhoordhorpathradi Velichenna