Henbane

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) belongs to the same family as tobacco, and belladonna although its properties are somewhat different. Like Belladonna, it contains Atropine, with larger quantities of Hyoscyamine and Hyoscine. It causes visual hallucinations and sensations of flight, although is also used as a sedative. The smaller branches, leaves and flowers are used and dried in order to extract the drug.

Despite its poisonous nature, it was apparently used in some German beers until the introduction of the beer purity law in 1516.

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See Also:

• Henbae according to Maplet's A Greene Forest
• Henbae according to Askham's Herbal