Overview
Datura is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Dhatura is Visha, sacred poison wielded only after Shodhana. Leaves smoked for asthma, seed oil rubbed on joint pain, swelling, and stubborn skin.
How Datura Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Datura has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Datura is highly poisonous. Ayurveda does not soften this. It is classed as a poison (Visha) and a sub-poison (Upavisha) in the Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12, in the same group as Arka, Snuhi, Langali and Oleander (Karavira).
What overdose looks like
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu warns that an excessive dose causes delirium, hallucinations and death. The texts also class it as intoxicating (Madakari). If anyone has swallowed, smoked or chewed any part of the plant, treat it as a poisoning emergency and get medical help immediately.
Why it is so dangerous
The plant contains tropane alkaloids, including hyoscyamine, atropine and hyoscine (also called scopolamine). The whole plant holds about 0.40% total alkaloids, and the seeds 0.2 to 0.45%. These compounds act powerfully on the nervous system.
Only after purification, only with a practitioner
Classical use depends on purification (Shodhana), a specialised process, and on a qualified practitioner who sets the form and dose. Never self-administer datura in any form, including smoking the leaves or rubbing on homemade oil.
Medications
Because of datura's action on the nervous system, it may exacerbate the effects of medications. Anyone on prescription drugs needs to tell their doctor and practitioner before any datura-containing preparation is considered.
Pregnancy
Datura is contraindicated in pregnancy. Do not use it if you are pregnant.
Legal status
In the UK its use is restricted under medicines legislation, which reflects how seriously regulators treat its toxicity.
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
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)
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)
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.