Makoi / Kakamachi / Black nightshade / Petty morel is an annual plant from the Solanaceae family up to half a meter tall. Black nightshade has long been used in folk medicine. The whole black nightshade plant (branches, leaves, flowers, berries and root) is considered medicinal. Solanum nigrum is a highly variable species with many varieties and forms described and some of the uses of Solanum nigrum may actually apply to other black nightshade species within the same species complex, and proper species identification is essential for food and medicinal uses. Solanum nigrum balances all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha
Uses:
- antipyretic (reduces fever by increasing sweating)
- anti-inflammatory (stops the development of inflammatory processes, prevents malignant degeneration of cells)
- anthelmintic
- neurasthenia and a tendency to seizures (normalizes the activity of the central nervous system, has a sedative effect)
- eliminates tachycardia, normalizes heart rate.
- headache
- colic in the stomach and abdomen
- problems with the bladder (cystitis, urolithiasis) – has a diuretic effect
- cholelithiasis (has a choleretic effect, stimulates the production of digestive enzymes)
- arthritis, gout and rheumatism (reduces the onset of painful symptoms)
- eye problems (with conjunctivitis, 1-2 drops of juice drip into the eyes)
- helps relieve vasomotor rhinitis and chronic sinusitis
- throat diseases (stimulates the secretion and discharge of phlegm, relieves spasms of the respiratory tract)
- lowers blood pressure, prevents the development of atherosclerosis
- hemorrhoids (leaf decoction)
- for the treatment of purulent wounds (accelerates the regenerative properties of the body, healing of wounds and erosive damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and internal organs)
- skin diseases (psoriasis, abscesses, etc.) – has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, destroys bacteria and viruses, suppresses the vital activity of certain types of fungal flora
Cautions: the main contraindication to the use of black nightshade is the unripeness of the berries. The greener the fruits, the more toxic compounds in their composition.
With mild poisoning, the pressure decreases, there is a slight sore throat, as at the onset of sore throat, salivation increases, and diarrhea appears. Strong intoxication is dangerous for the body. Symptoms of poisoning: diarrhea intensifies and becomes uncontrollable, vomiting begins, nervous excitement is replaced by drowsiness, the breathing rhythm is disturbed, the pulse becomes more frequent, cyanosis occurs. If help is not provided on time, tachycardia is replaced by bradycardia, the sphincters relax, and the victim falls into a coma.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Berries are contraindicated in children under 3 years old, pregnant and lactating women.
Even very ripe nightshade fruits should not be consumed if you have:
- chronic diseases and dysfunctions of the liver and pancreas;
- increased flatulence and a tendency to diarrhea;
- chronic hypotension;
- polyvalent allergy, as the product has high allergenic properties.
NOTE. Black nightshade is also called “petty/petit (small) morel” to distinguish it from the more poisonous species, deadly nightshade, that is known as “great morel” or Atropa belladonna.