Belladonna

Belladonna, a pretty name for a deadly plant.  This word literally means beautiful lady in Italian, because Italian women used the juice from this plant as a cosmetic.  The Italians have a good eye for beauty.  After all, it was there that the theory of ideal beauty in Renaissance art was first formed during the Middle Ages. 

Atropa Belladonna was first introduced to England in 1597 in a book on botany.  The genus name Atropa is taken from Atropos, the Greek Fate who cuts the thread of life, possibly referring to the plant's deadly nature.  It is also called Deadly Nightshade, and its seductive berries are fatal to children.

The plant is still used in homeopathic remedies - for inflammation of the throat, earache, headaches, boils, fits, labour pains, fever, spasma, nausea, vertigo, increased sensitivity in the senses and is even given to children to reduce teething pain.  Although all parts of the plant are poisonous, it has been used for centuries to heal infections and inflammations.  In the Middle Ages, this was considered magic, and women who used it were accused of being witches.  Today, however, it is recognised as a useful plant for healing, albeit with a strictly controlled dosage.
This plant, like a femme fatale, is beautiful and inviting.  You pick it at your peril.

Sources:
Chambers Dictionary of Etymology (1988), Chambers.
Locke, Dr. Andrew & Geddes, Dr. Nicola (1995) The Complete Guide to Homeopathy, Dorling Kindersley.
Mabey, Richard (1996) Flora Britannica, Chatto & Windus.


Juliana