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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Solanum dulcamara | Bittersweet Nightshade

Botanical Overview:

  • Family: Solanaceae

  • Common Names: Bittersweet Nightshade, Woody Nightshade, Felonwort, Blue Nightshade

  • Plant Type: Perennial climbing vine

  • Native Range: Europe, Asia, and parts of North America (widely naturalized)

  • Key Identifiers:

    • Twining vine that can grow up to 4 meters in length

    • Green, lance-shaped leaves with irregular margins

    • Clusters of small, star-shaped purple flowers with yellow stamens, often appearing in late spring to summer

    • Produces bright red berries that are toxic if ingested in large quantities

    • The plant has a bitter taste and an unpleasant odor due to the presence of alkaloids


Properties:

  • Active Compounds: Tropane alkaloids (solanine, solasodine, dulcamarine), flavonoids, glycoalkaloids

  • Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic


Distribution and Habitat:

  • Commonly found in damp, disturbed environments, including riverbanks, wetlands, hedgerows, and woodlands

  • Prefers moist, fertile soil and can grow in shaded or partially sunny areas

  • Widely spread across temperate regions, especially in Europe, parts of North America, and Asia


Medicinal Uses:

  • Traditional Uses: Historically used as a remedy for rheumatism, gout, and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

  • Pain Relief: Sometimes applied topically as a poultice to treat muscle pain, bruises, or joint pain

  • Digestive Health: Used in folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and digestive discomfort

  • Respiratory Issues: The plant has been employed as an expectorant, particularly for treating coughs and bronchial issues

  • Urinary Health: Its diuretic properties have been used to treat urinary retention and mild kidney issues


Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

  • Psychoactive Nature:

    • Solanum dulcamara contains solanine and other tropane alkaloids that can have psychoactive effects, especially in larger doses. These compounds can act on the nervous system, producing sedative effects or mild hallucinations in some individuals

    • It has been traditionally used as a calming herb, with mild sedative effects, though caution is advised due to its toxicity and the potential for dangerous side effects when consumed in excess

    • Not Psychedelic: While it may cause mild disorientation or confusion, Solanum dulcamara is not classified as a psychedelic. It does not induce the full range of perceptual changes or visionary experiences associated with psychedelics. However, it can produce delirium or confusion in high doses, which makes it a potentially dangerous plant for recreational use

    • It should be noted that the berries and other parts of the plant are toxic, and ingestion can lead to symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, and confusion


Magical Correspondences and Uses:

  • Element: Water

  • Planetary Association: Saturn

  • Magical Uses:

    • Often used in protection magic, particularly for warding off negative influences or spiritual attacks due to its bitter taste and toxic properties

    • Can be used in spells or rituals to induce banishment or release of unwanted energies or spirits

    • Sometimes incorporated into spells for healing or relieving physical ailments, particularly those related to pain and inflammation

    • The plant is also used in magic associated with sleep and dreams, helping to alleviate nightmares or mental unrest

    • In some traditions, Solanum dulcamara is used for divination, especially in matters of spiritual guidance or protection, due to its connection with the mystical properties of nightshade plants


Folklore and Mythology:

  • Symbol of Protection and Transformation: In folklore, nightshades like Solanum dulcamara were often seen as plants with both protective and transformative qualities. They could ward off evil spirits, but also represented change and danger due to their toxic nature

  • Association with Witchcraft: Like other members of the nightshade family, Solanum dulcamara was historically associated with witchcraft and magic, often used in potions or charms to protect the user from curses or hexes

  • Toxicity and Danger: The plant’s poisonous berries were often seen as a symbol of danger and misfortune, but also as a tool for magical practitioners who understood the plant’s potent effects when used carefully

  • Healing and Harm: The dual nature of Solanum dulcamara—offering both healing and potential harm—led to its inclusion in folk medicine as both a remedy and a poison. The plant was used to treat ailments, but its toxicity made it a dangerous herb to work with

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