Dulcamara, from the Solanaceae family, is a climbing sub-shrub plant that has fibrous roots and a stem that can reach 4 m, leaning on neighboring plants. Its stem is cylindrical, fragile and branchy, with elongated and thin branches, in addition to flexible and green. Its leaves are alternate and petiolate, the lower ones being whole, oval and more or less heart-shaped while the upper ones are almost always 3-lobed, with the lobes separated and the larger terminal dark green. Its flowers are purple or blue in color and rarely white. The fruit is a small ovoid, pendulum berry, red in color when ripe.
Index
Properties and benefits
The consumption of dulcamara tea is indicated for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, cellulitis, ulcerative colitis, bronchial congestion, dermatosis, skin diseases, venereal diseases, eczema, skin rash, fever, jaundice, pneumonia, rheumatism and ulcers. The plant, also known as Bitter Nightshade is commonly used in the formulation of homeopathic medicines.
Despite having narcotic properties, the plant has, if used with proper application, many benefits. When in tablet form, it should be taken as a wart removal remedy. The treatment is very common and must be done in a dosage of three times a day until the wart disappears.
The tea, in turn, is effective in the treatment of pain from rheumatism, asthma, flu, the diseases mentioned above, in addition to treating respiratory tract diseases. The tea can also be used to bathe the skin in case of problems such as abscesses, eczema and other skin problems. It also acts as a diuretic, body detoxifier, body cleanser and bowel stimulant. Therefore, it can also be used by those seeking to lose weight.
How to prepare tea?
To drink, the tea must be made with the proportion of 1 liter of water for every 30g of the plant. Boil the water and, when it comes to boil, turn off the heat. Add the dulcamara and let it rest. Strain and consume three glasses a day. For the bath, boil a cup of the plant in 1 liter of water for 30 minutes. Strain and use water to wash skin.
Contraindications and precautions for use
The plant has toxicity and, therefore, must be consumed with caution. Signs of intoxication are hot and dry skin, flushing of the face, dry mucous membranes, mydriasis, hallucinations, psychomotor agitation, in addition to, in some cases, vomiting, abdominal cramps and neurological disorders such as vertigo, muscle cramps, anxiety and tonic-conic convulsions . All parts of the plant are toxic.
Consumption is contraindicated for pregnant women and lactating women, as well as children. Although these are only contraindications, we suggest that before starting consumption, you should consult a doctor to find out doses suitable for your case, since the plant has high toxicity.
