I recently found myself in a conversation about why I keep Atropa Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) in my garden. There is an article on the basics of this fascinating plant somewhere, but I don't think I have ever really discussed that aspect of my interest in Nightshades or my stance on its uses.
Firstly, the Belladonna is indeed a highly toxic plant. It absolutely can be deadly, especially to pets and small children, which is why I do not recommend adding them to most gardeners' collections. But there is a place for these infamous beauties in the world. Its "deadly" tropane alkaloids are used today to dilate pupils during eye exams—did you know that? This practice was actually very popular in the 16th century, when women would add it to their eyeballs to create a seductive, dilated look. Apparently, that was all the rage. And aside from being used as a poison and psychedelic throughout history, it was also used to treat a lot of common ailments. These included stomach ulcers, IBS-type symptoms, anxiety, and the list goes on.
When dosed carefully, this perennial herb is still absolutely used for a multitude of reasons; it's just that nobody really talks about it out loud. The stigma and the "pearl clutching" are enough to deter experienced harvesters of the Deadly Nightshade from openly discussing it on social media, or even among their friends. In magical communities, the very "witches" who buy every empty Deadly Nightshade label bottle at Hobby Lobby will scold you from behind their keyboards if you dare even admit to possessing such a plant, let alone using it in any way. And many of us who are not so keen to end up in a lawsuit because someone very stupid read a blog and then ran off and ate an entire leaf just don't want to share a lot of our knowledge on the subject with most outsiders. But, if you are interested in even growing the Atropa Belladonna for "shits and giggles," the first place you should start is reading this comprehensive document:
That PDF is the single most detailed and informative resource I have ever found, covering not only the toxicity but also uses, dosage, effects, side effects, and more. It is a long read, but well worth it.
Since it will be very hard to find anyone who will help you in person with your newfound interest, I would suggest doing as much independent study as possible. Try to avoid sources like YouTube, where you will no doubt get a lot of weirdos who have limited or inaccurate knowledge. Plant groups are mostly a no-go, as the "pearl clutchers" hang out there, too. As far as search engines, you will be better off with almost any one other than Google, as Google automatically filters searches on the herb and even goes as far as to give you an AI response at the top of the search page telling you that there is not much information available because it’s just too dangerous. You may also find luck making friends at a local witch shop or apothecary; become a regular customer and then get a feel for the employees or owners. You may find that they know a lot more on the topic than they would initially let on if you walk in like a stranger and start asking about it.
It’s also important to note that not everyone who keeps Nightshade is ingesting it. Some just love the way it looks, some for the novelty, and some even use it to make interesting decorative pieces. For instance, aside from my uses, which I will not fully disclose here, I make and sell curiosities featuring the Belladonna. Here is a beautiful framed and pressed leaf and flower I recently created. It is adhesive-sealed for safety, and I require the purchaser of these kinds of items to sign a digital liability waiver, just in case:
.jpg "Framed and Pressed Atropa Belladonna")
Something to consider if you plan to grow them on your own from seed: they are "assholes." Truly. A cold start does do wonders to kick off the process (freezing seeds for a week or two before planting); however, they are extremely finicky, especially if you live in Southern states of America, like I do. I usually start mine indoors in cages—yes, cage. Once I feel like they will survive both emotionally and physically outside without throwing a dramatic wilting fit, I move them to a very shady part of my backyard, as despite every seed pack claiming they love full sun, they do not. I promise you. In fact, an hour of full sun makes most of mine slap the back of their hand across their forehead and dramatically faint over the sides of their pot almost immediately. Basically, they are a real pain in the ass to grow until they get out of that weird teenager phase and start to flower. Then they are quite a bit more forgiving. But a good rule of thumb is for every 10 seeds you plant, expect to get maybe two Belladonnas, at least in my experience. Of course, if you have some sort of rad setup and greenhouse, then perhaps your luck will be a bit better.
Overall, the Deadly Nightshade is one of the most commercially popularized plants in the world as an aesthetic but the least as an actual part of most anyone's gardens, which makes it even more unusual. Many of the gothic subcultures and Pagan communities idolize the idea of her but have better sense than to grow one on their coffee table. And for that, I am thankful. If too many inexperienced or downright stupid people start to pick up this hobby, it will likely be ruined for the few of us who do. As is with most things, someone has to come along and ruin it for everyone. Think laundry pods, except plants.
If you do choose to try your hand at raising a Belladonna or two, please do so responsibly.
Thanks for reading.
Be Blessed.
Dena