Overview
Datura is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. 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 Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Datura has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Hyoscine (Scopolamine), Chlorogenic acid
- Also Known As
- English: Datura, Thorn Apple, Jimsonweed
Sanskrit: धत्तूर, धत्तूरक, धूर्त, मातुल, उन्मत्त, कनक, मदन
Hindi: धतूरा, सफेद धतूरा
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
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.