Poison or Medicine?

Throughout history, different herbs have been utilized in different ways. Some are used to create beauty, some for-seasoning foods, some for medicine, and some even to poison others.

Let's look at belladonna, also known as the devil's berry or deadly nightshade. Belladonna contains tropane alkaloids in its foliage and berries that are extremely toxic if ingested. What happens if you consume them? You would be very miserable.

Vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, delirium, hallucinations, increased heart rate, convulsions, slow breathing, and eventually death are only a few symptoms one could endure.

Armies would use it during the Middle Ages to contaminate their enemy's food reserves. During the Renaissance, women would make eye drops from the berries juice to cause the eye to dilate to create a seductive appearance, which was certainly not a safe practice.

Have you ever heard of "witch's flying ointment?" This use for belladonna was well-known in European witchcraft and is now making a comeback in modern-day witchcraft. Witch's flying ointment is a salve rubbed on the skin to use in ritual workings. The cream, once absorbed, can cause hallucinogenic effects. Many witches use it to help with astral travel, open psychic awareness, and meditation. Belladonna, mugwort, and other ingredients are used to make this powerful salve. I would not recommend doing this as it can be very dangerous.

Despite Belladonna's negative properties, it has many wonderful medicinal uses. Have you ever gotten seasick or car sick? What about suffering from nausea and vomiting after surgery? Your doctor likely prescribed you a scopolamine patch. Did it make you feel better? Its purpose is to stop nausea. The chemicals in this little patch are derived from belladonna.

Atropine is a common cardiac medication to help increase a heart rate that's too slow. It is a first-line defense medication given during cardiac arrest when performing ACLS (advanced cardiac life support). It is used during surgery to decrease saliva and fluid in the respiratory tract. Again, a vital medication used to save lives everyday was extracted from belladonna.

by WITCH JODI

Now let's look at the stunning poppy flower. You have seen it in the movie The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy runs through the field of flowers and falls asleep. You may have even heard the saying, "milk of the poppy." Let's dive into this infamous herb of destruction and relief.

When the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, is cut, it produces a milky fluid, which, when dried up, is known as opium. Opium is used to create pain medications like morphine, codeine, heroin, and oxycodone.

Opium was commonly given to patients in Europe for pain by doctors in the 1600s. When morphine was created in 1803, it was considered a miracle drug for pain. Codeine is another pain medication that can also help suppress a nasty cough. At some point, you've likely used cough syrup with codeine.

These opioids work by interrupting and shutting off pain signals in the brain. However, when you take frequent or high doses of these medications, it may also suppress your breathing.

Even though these medications can help with severe pain, unfortunately, these drugs are very addictive and can destroy one's life. Do you remember hearing the stories of opium dens? These were very popular establishments in the 19th century where people could smoke opium or take it intravenously. Many were run by Chinese mobsters who supplied the opium.

Over time we have seen an increase in opioid addictions and deaths associated with these drugs. This epidemic doesn't just affect the person that becomes addicted. It reaches into the family and can destroy it too. As you can see, this beautiful flower has been destructive over time. Yet without it, painful medical procedures would be harder to endure.

These are just a few examples of poisonous plants and herbs that have been used as medicines to help instead of harm. Never use these or other toxic herbs on your own. Instead, seek the guidance of medical professionals.a

JODI JACOBSON, owner of Midwest Witchery and Healing, uses organic and ethically sourced components, as well as hand creates her products during proper moon phases to ensure the most potent beneficial energies whatever your needs. Practicing witchcraft over 40 years, Jodi can help you with your spiritual needs. Find out more by visiting midwestwitcheryhealing.com