Overview
Datura is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for parasites and worms. 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.
How Datura Helps with Parasites and Worms
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Datura has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing parasites and worms:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
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).
Other Herbs for Parasites and Worms
See all herbs for parasites and worms on the Parasites and Worms 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.