Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Hyoscine (Scopolamine), Chlorogenic acid
- Also Known As
- English: Datura, Thorn Apple, Jimsonweed
Sanskrit: धत्तूर, धत्तूरक, धूर्त, मातुल, उन्मत्त, कनक, मदन
Hindi: धतूरा, सफेद धतूरा
What is Datura / Thorn Apple (धतूरा / धत्तूर)?
Dhatura (Datura stramonium) is a well-known narcotic and poisonous plant extensively used in Ayurveda after proper purification (Shodhana). The text describes it as growing up to 3000 feet elevation, with spiny fruit capsules. It contains 0.40% total alkaloids including Hyoscyamine and Atropine. Seeds contain 0.2-0.45% alkaloids and 15-30% fixed oil. The plant has powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It is applied externally for joint pain, swelling, and skin diseases. Smoke from leaves is used for asthma. The text emphasizes it is a Visha (poison) requiring Shodhana before therapeutic use. Multiple species are described including D. stramonium, D. metel, D. tatula, and D. innoxia.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Astringent, sweet, bitter |
| Vīrya (energy) | Hot |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Light, dry, spreads throughout the body (vyavayi) |
| Doṣa effect | Dos.aHIIHFW9.ï3 |
| Dhātu (tissue) | Plasma, blood |
| Srotas (channel) | Respiratory, circulatory, mental |
Therapeutic Actions
- Lungs: Dhattura leaves are a powerful remedy for dilating the bronchioles of the lungs. They are antispasmodic and can swiftly relieve wheezing and tightness of the chest. It is used as a drying remedy to counteract mucous and congestion in the lungs when avalambaka kapha has accumulated (Paranjpe 2001).
- Fevers: As this remedy moves upwards and outwards it can help to induce diaphoresis and therefore break a fever.
Safety & Contraindications
Contraindications: Antispasmodic, bronchodilator,; narcotic Pregnancy
Safety: due to dhattura’s action on the nervous system, which may exacerbate the effects of the medication (Low Dog 2002, Harkness & Bratman 2003).
Dosage & Combinations
Dosage: Maximum of 150mg per day (UK 1968 Medicines Act/ Statutory Instrument 2130 1977), or 1.5ml per day of a 1:10 @ 45% tincture.
Combinations:
- Always use with licorice as this can help to relieve the toxicity and its excessively dispersing nature.
- Ginger, pippali for lung disorders.
How to Use Datura by Condition
Explore how Datura is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Grind with the fresh juices of Dhattura (Datura metel) leaves, Nimba (Azadirachta indica/neem) leaves, and Tambuli (betel, Piper betle) leaves individually.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Dhattura (Datura metel), Eranda (castor, Ricinus communis), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), and Sarshapa (mustard) -- this paste destroys Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphedema) even when chronic and severe.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The Upavisha (sub-poisons/secondary toxic substances) are: Arka (Calotropis procera), Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia), Dhatura (Datura metel), Langali (Gloriosa superba), and Karavira (Nerium oleander).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
The Upavisha (sub-poisons/secondary toxic substances) are: Arka (Calotropis procera), Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia), Dhatura (Datura metel), Langali (Gloriosa superba), and Karavira (Nerium oleander).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Grind with the fresh juices of Dhattura (Datura metel) leaves, Nimba (Azadirachta indica/neem) leaves, and Tambuli (betel, Piper betle) leaves individually.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Datura leaves contain tropane alkaloids with anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic action.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Dhattura (Datura metel), Eranda (castor, Ricinus communis), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Varshabhu (Boerhavia diffusa), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), and Sarshapa (mustard) -- this paste destroys Shlipada (elephantiasis/lymphedema) even when chronic and severe.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.