HERBAL MONOGRAPHS BLACK NIGHTSHADE/ 101preparation and application of mustard poultices. Eyes
should be protected when preparing or using the poultices
because the vapors can cause eye irritation. Long-term
external application or too-intensive reactions upon the skin
can lead to injury such as blister formation, suppurating
W ulcerations and necroses. Mustard poultices are to be
removed after no more than 30 minutes.
Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use of preparations
containing ammonia, because ammonia with mustard oil
forms inactive thiosinamine.
Pediatric Use: Black Mustard should not be administered to
children under 6 years of age.
OVERDOSAGE
Internal overdosage can lead to vomiting, stomach pain and
diarrhea. In severe cases, these can be accompanied by
somnolence, cardiac weakness, breathing difficulties and
even to death through coma. Following installation of
activated charcoal and shock prophylaxis (suitable body
position, quiet, warmth), the therapy for poisonings consists
of administering mucilaginosa for the protection of mucus
membranes and generous amounts of fluids. Possible cases
A of acidosis should be treated with sodium bicarbonate
infusions. In case of shock, plasma volume expanders should
be infused. Cardiac massage, intubation and oxygen respira-
tion may also be necessary.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Used externally as a mustard
plaster, foot bath or full bath. On rare occasions, Black
Mustard is used as a constituent in antirheumatic prepara-
tions and cardiac ointments.
How Supplied: Allyl mustard oil: 1 to 3% solution,
ointments, emulsions and other rubs (including a rheumatism
liniment) are available from commercial sources.
Preparation: To prepare a mustard poultice, mix approxi-
mately 100 g mustard flour with lukewarm water and pack in
linen. Use on the chest should not exceed 10 minutes (with a
maximum of 3 to 5 minutes for children). Limit use on the
face to 3 to 4 minutes and take care to avoid the eye area.
When mustard paper is used, it is immersed in warm water
and then placed on the painful area of skin.W To prepare a full mustard bath, mix 100 to 200 g mustard
flour with cold water and press through a cloth into the warm
bath. A mustard footbath should be prepared in a bucket or
other container that allows the warm water to extend up the
leg to the desired position. Add 1 to 3 dessertspoons of
mustard flour and stir.
Daily Dosage: The poultice is placed on the chest for about
10 minutes (with a maximum of 3 to 5 minutes for children).
Foot bath use should be limited to 10 minutes.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet, 10 globules every 30
to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc; acute: 3 times daily; chronic once
a day (HAB34).Storage: The stored drug should be protected from light.
LITERATURE
Halva S et al., Agric Sci Finl 58:157. 1986.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. AufL, Bde 4-6
(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Hill CB et al., J Am Soc Hort Sci 112(2):309. 1987.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs, Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York
1980.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Black Nightshade
Solanum nigrum
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried herb
collected during the flowering season, the whole fresh plant
collected during the flowering season and the whole fresh
plant with berries.
Flower and Fruit: The small white flowers are in 6- to 10-
blossomed, umbel-like, nodding, axillary inflorescences. The
calyx is 5-tipped and does not drop. The corolla is 5-tipped
with a short tube. There are 5 stamens wim clavate anthers
inclining toward each other. The corolla is rotate and has 1
superior ovary. The fruit is a pea-sized black, occasionally
green or yellow, berry.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Solanum nigrum is an annual plant
10 to 50 cm in height. The stem is erect, leafy and angular
with outward-inclined branches. The leaves are fleshy,
petiolate, rhomboid or ovate. They narrow to a cuneate base,
which is crenate-dentate and glabrous or sparsely pubescent.