Belladonna

Belladonna is a type of plant known both to the human and witch world. Throughout history, it has been used by humans has been used for medicinal, cosmetic, and poison purposes, and witches have utilized it to control magic.

Description

The Belladonna plant is a type of shrub which can grow up to 6 feet tall. Its flowers are a dull purple, while its berries are a brilliant black. The fruit is sweet but can be very dangerous to consume.

Distribution

Belladonna likes temperate climates, and so thrives in parts of Europe (mostly central and southern) as well as the Caucasus region and parts of the Middle East. However, it has been naturalized and cultivated in other places, including America and Great Britain.

Toxicity

Consuming parts of the Belladonna plant can be extremely toxic for humans, animals, and witches. While the berries are most likely to be eaten, the root of the plant is the most toxic. For humans, symptoms of Belladonna poisoning include dilated pupils, rash, severe headache, tachycardia, slurred speech and in very serious cases, convulsions, hallucinations, and confusion. However, there is an antidote for Belladonna poisoning.

Human uses

Because of Belladonna's toxicity, science has not produced enough evidence to legally use it for medicinal purposes. However, historically, Belladonna was used as a pain reliever, muscle relaxer, motion sickness, and ulcers. However, there are some people that currently recommend Belladonna for medicinal purposes.

Witch uses

Unlike humans, witches are able to consume larger amounts of Belladonna without feeling ill effects. However, Belladonna can still be fatal to witches as well.
Witches use Belladonna to both increase and decrease their magic . At certain doses, a witch's magic is increased significantly for a temporary amount of time (depending on the dose, typically for about 6-8 hours). The largest amount of magic increase using Belladonna is in Psychic Magic; the reason why is unknown. Because of this, some Psychic witches use the drug to help with their business, even though consumption of it is illegal.
However, combined with other ingredients, Belladonna can decrease magic and mimic Mortem. At high concentrations, it can cause a witch's magic to completely disappear for as long as a witch is exposed to it.
An overdose of Belladonna is rarely fatal regarding witches, but it can cause utter madness that can last for years if too much is taken.
The only legal use of Belladonna is for anesthetic.

Regulation

Because of its uses and obvious danger, the growing and consumption of Belladonna are heavily regulated by the Council and Magisterium; only a select number of those born with Nature and Potion Magic are allowed to grow the plant.

Deadly Nightshade

Image from here

Scientific Name

Atropa belladonna

Origin/Ancestry

Native to Europe, north Africa and East Asia