Primary actions

• Anticholinergic
  Helps block the action of acetylcholine in the parasympathetic nervous system. This slows down secretions and smooth muscle activity (e.g. less saliva, reduced gut motility, dilated pupils).

• Antispasmodic
  Relaxes smooth muscle spasm, helping to ease cramping pain in areas such as the gut, bile ducts, uterus, or urinary tract.

• Analgesic
  Has a pain-relieving effect.

• Antisialagogue
  Reduces saliva production; useful when excessive drooling or salivation occurs.

• Hypohidrotic
  Reduces sweating; used where excessive perspiration occurs.

• Narcotic
  Strongly affects the nervous system, with sedative and pain-dulling effects. In higher doses, this becomes toxic.

Note: Atropa belladonna is a highly toxic plant and is only used in minute, carefully controlled doses by trained practitioners.

Primary indications

(Traditional uses in herbal medicine)

Digestive system

• GIT colic – cramping pains in the abdomen caused by spasm of the gut.

• Gastritis – inflammation and pain in the stomach lining.

• Severe IBS – irritable bowel syndrome with marked cramping and spasm.

• Biliary colic – intense cramping pain linked to spasm in the bile ducts or gallbladder.

Urinary & pelvic

• Urinary incontinence – difficulty controlling urination, often linked to bladder muscle overactivity.

• Menstrual pain – cramping pelvic pain associated with menstruation.

Nervous system & movement

• Parkinson’s – used historically to help with certain symptoms such as tremor and muscle rigidity (due to its anticholinergic effect).

• Motion sickness – to reduce nausea, vomiting and excess salivation linked to travel.

Respiratory

• Asthma - to reduce bronchial spasm and ease breathing.

• Bronchitis – where spasm and excessive secretions contribute to cough.

Secretions & sweating

• Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating.

• Excessive saliva – drooling or constant salivation.

Pain & musculoskeletal

• Muscular pain – pain linked to muscle spasm.

• Rheumatoid arthritis – for severe pain and spasm (not as a disease-modifying treatment).

• Osteoarthritis – for pain and stiffness in joints.

• Sciatica – sharp, radiating nerve pain down the leg.

• Neuralgia – shooting, nerve-type pain in various regions.

Cautions and contraindications

• Avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

• High toxicity: Atropa belladonna should only be prescribed and dispensed by a suitably qualified practitioner, in very small, controlled doses.

• Drug interactions:
  May increase the anticholinergic effects of other medicines, including:

  • Antihistamines

  • Certain cardiac medications

  • Some antidepressants

  • Other anticholinergic drugs

  This can raise the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.