Henbane

How does Henbane work?

Henbane contains chemicals, such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, that might relax the muscles lining the digestive tract. Henbane might also relieve muscle tremors and have a calming effect.

Are there safety concerns?

Henbane is possibly safe for most people when used for a short time with the help of a healthcare professional. Side effects include dry mouth, red skin, constipation, overheating, reduced sweating, vision disturbances, increased heart rate, difficulty with urinating, drowsiness, restlessness, hallucinations, delirium, manic episodes, and death.

Henbane is UNSAFE when used for self-medication. Since henbane can be very toxic, the dose must be carefully chosen and side effects checked by a healthcare professional. Too much henbane can cause poisoning and death.

Do not use henbane if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You have a heart condition such as heart failure or an abnormal heartbeat. Henbane may increase the heart rate and worsen heart failure.
• You have a condition called Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome might be extremely sensitive to the effects of henbane.
• You have a fever.
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma.
• You have trouble urinating (urinary retention).
• You have a problem in your digestive tract, such as heartburn or "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD), a hiatal hernia, an infection, constipation, a blockage, ulcerative colitis, a serious condition called toxic megacolon, or other disorders.