What is Henbane?
Henbane is a herb you should know about mainly so that you never confuse it with anything else. Its seed is narcotic, and Ayurveda uses it only with caution.
Henbane (Parasikayavani), botanically Hyoscyamus niger Linn., is also known as Khurasani Ajwain. The Sahasra Yoga lists its Sanskrit synonyms as Turushka, Parasikayavani and Khurasanivamu.
Despite the name Khurasani Ajwain, it is a different plant from Ajwain, the everyday kitchen spice. The seed is used cautiously for pain and spasm.
Benefits of Henbane
Our sources record one use for Henbane: its narcotic seed is used cautiously for pain and spasm.
Pain and Spasm
The seed's narcotic action is the reason it appears in the tradition at all. A narcotic dulls sensation, which is why it was turned to for pain and for muscle spasm.
That same action is why the word "cautiously" matters. This is not a herb for self-care, and our sources give no dose. We do not list other benefits, because none are recorded.
How to Use Henbane
Our sources give no dose, preparation or vehicle for Henbane. The only guidance recorded is that the narcotic seed is used cautiously.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | Not recorded; for practitioner use only | Pain and spasm | Only under qualified supervision |
Do not prepare or take Henbane at home. A narcotic seed with no recorded dose is not something to experiment with.
Safety & Side Effects
Henbane seed is narcotic, and our sources say it is used cautiously. That is the most important fact on this page.
- Do not take it on your own. No dose is recorded in our sources.
- Do not confuse Khurasani Ajwain with ordinary Ajwain seed used in cooking. They are different plants.
- Keep it away from children.
Our sources do not list drug interactions, but a narcotic herb should never be combined with sedatives, painkillers or alcohol without a doctor's advice. If someone has taken Henbane and feels unwell, seek emergency medical help.
Recommended: Start Here
The right place to start with Henbane is not a product. It is knowing what it is: a narcotic seed, Hyoscyamus niger, that Ayurveda uses only cautiously for pain and spasm.
If you came here looking for relief from pain or spasm, talk to a doctor or a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. If you want to understand where Henbane sits in the tradition, a reference on Ayurvedic plants or the Sahasra Yoga is the safer way in.
Find the Sahasra Yoga on Amazon ↗ Ayurvedic Materia Medica Books ↗
Safety note: Henbane seed is narcotic. Never buy or take it for self-treatment.
Henbane vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The comparison that matters most for Henbane is a name clash, not a choice between remedies.
| Comparison | Henbane | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khurasani Ajwain vs Ajwain | Hyoscyamus niger; narcotic seed. | Ajwain, the kitchen spice. | Different plants. Never substitute one for the other. |
| Henbane vs a non-narcotic herb | Narcotic, used cautiously, no dose recorded. | Herbs with recorded doses and wide safety margins. | For self-care, always choose a non-narcotic option with a recorded dose. |
Henbane for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance for Henbane. Because the seed is narcotic and no dose is recorded, the answer for every group below is caution.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Do not use it.
Children
Do not use it, and keep it out of reach.
Elderly
Do not use it without a doctor's supervision, especially if you take other medicines.
Athletes
No performance use is recorded. Do not use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khurasani Ajwain the same as Ajwain?
No. Khurasani Ajwain is Henbane, Hyoscyamus niger, a narcotic seed. Ordinary Ajwain is a different plant used as a kitchen spice.
What is Henbane used for in Ayurveda?
Our sources record that the narcotic seed is used cautiously for pain and spasm. No other uses are recorded.
Is Henbane safe?
The seed is narcotic and is used only cautiously. It is not safe for self-treatment, and our sources give no dose.
What are the Sanskrit names for Henbane?
The Sahasra Yoga lists Turushka, Parasikayavani and Khurasanivamu.
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.