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 Solanum dulcamara (Solanaceae)
BITTERSWEET, WOODY NIGHTSHADE
The stems of bittersweet, so
named because its twigs taste bitter and then sweet, are a herbal remedy for
rheumatism, psoriasis, eczema, and bronchitis. Dulcamara is given in
homeopathy for conditions brought on by damp or cold.
Bittersweet is often confused with deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) by nonbotanists; although the two are in the same family, they are entirely different species. The name bittersweet arose because, on chewing, twigs of Solanum taste bitter and then turn sweet. The plant has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks for diverse ailments, including bruises and warts, and sprigs were hung round the necks of sheep to ward off evil spirits. Native to Europe and North America, it is a shrubby trailing perennial with thin woody stems and oval leaves. Deep-violet flowers with yellow centres appear during mid- to late summer, followed by red to black berries.
PARTS USED
2-3-year-old stems.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Steroidal alkaloids, including soladulcamaridine, solanidine, solasodine, and tomatidine; steroidal saponins, dulcamarin; tannins; resin.
ACTIONS
Anti-inflammatory; anti-rheumatic; stimulating expectorant; increases bile flow.
MEDICINAL USE
Used in rheumatic disease, psoriasis and eczema, particularly when the liver is involved, and chronic bronchitis. It is prescribed
homeopathically (Dulcamara) for a variety of conditions, especially those that come on after getting wet or chilled.
PREPARATIONS
Tincture, homeopathic remedies.
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