Evidence supporting the use of: Belladonna
For the health condition: Pleurisy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Belladonna, also known as Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), has been used in traditional herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including pleurisy. Pleurisy refers to inflammation of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs, often causing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Historically, belladonna was valued for its antispasmodic and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, attributed to its active alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. In the context of pleurisy, traditional practitioners sometimes used belladonna extracts or tinctures to reduce pain and muscle spasm associated with the condition, especially before the advent of modern analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.

However, the evidence supporting belladonna’s effectiveness for pleurisy is limited to anecdotal reports and historical texts. There is a lack of robust clinical or scientific studies validating its use for this indication. Furthermore, belladonna is known for its narrow therapeutic window and potential toxicity, which can cause serious side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, and even life-threatening complications. For these reasons, belladonna is rarely, if ever, recommended in modern medical practice for pleurisy. In summary, its use is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than scientific evidence.

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