Comprehensive Ayurvedic Analysis of Dhatura (Datura stramonium)

1. Primary Disease of Action: Apasmara (Epilepsy)

In Ayurveda, Dhatura (Datura stramonium), a highly potent and toxic herb, is prominently indicated in the treatment of Apasmara (epilepsy). Apasmara is a serious neuro-psychological disorder that encompasses seizures, unconsciousness, abnormal movements, and loss of memory. According to Ayurvedic principles, it is a Vata-Pitta predominant disease with involvement of Manovaha Srotas (channels of the mind).

Pathology of Apasmara in Ayurveda

Apasmara is caused by the aggravation of doshas, primarily Vata and Pitta, which impair the functioning of the Sattva Guna (clarity and consciousness), allowing Tamas (darkness/inertia) and Rajas (disturbance) to dominate. This vitiation disturbs the functioning of the manas (mind) and buddhi (intellect), affecting the majja dhatu (nervous tissue).

Symptoms include:

• Sudden loss of consciousness

• Involuntary movements

• Foam at the mouth

• Disorientation and confusion

• Postictal fatigue

Medicinal Action of Dhatura in Apasmara

Dhatura acts through its Vata-pacifying, anesthetic, antispasmodic, and manasika dosha-shamak (mental dosha pacifying) actions.

• Vedanasthapana (analgesic): Calms the nervous system, reducing pain and hyperactivity.

• Unmadahara (anti-psychotic): Stabilizes erratic mental behavior.

• Vatanulomana: Promotes proper movement of Vata.

• Medhya (cognitive enhancer): Enhances Sattva quality, clarity of thought.

In controlled quantities and under supervision, Dhatura helps modulate abnormal neurological activity, prevent recurrent seizures, and calm the mind.

2. Pharmacognosy of Dhatura

• Botanical Name: Datura stramonium

• Family: Solanaceae

• Common Names: Thorn Apple, Jimsonweed

• Part Used: Leaves, seeds, flowers

• Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)

• Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp)

• Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)

• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

Morphologically, Datura is a fast-growing herb with ovate leaves, trumpet-shaped purple or white flowers, and spiny seed capsules. Its alkaloids are absorbed quickly through mucosal linings, affecting central nervous system functions.

3. Ayurvedic Mode of Action in Apasmara

• Dosha Impact: Vata-Pitta Shamana

• Dhatu Involvement: Majja (nervous tissue), Rasa (plasma), and Manas (mind)

• Srotas Affected: Manovaha and Majjavaha Srotas

Dhatura acts as a Shoolprashman Dravya (pain-alleviating substance), primarily due to its influence on Majja Dhatu. It calms Vata-induced nerve irritability and controls the unrestrained firing of neurons (analogous to seizures).

4. Names in Different Languages

• Sanskrit: Dhattura, Kanaka, Shivapriya

• Hindi: Dhatura

• Tamil: Ummattangkai

• Telugu: Ummetta

• Kannada: Dattura

• Bengali: Dhutra

• Gujarati: Dhattura

• English: Thorn Apple, Jimsonweed

5. Chemical Constituents

Dhatura contains a wide range of tropane alkaloids, which are responsible for its potent psychoactive and physiological effects:

• Hyoscyamine

• Atropine

• Scopolamine

• Flavonoids

• Withanolides

• Coumarins

• Tannins

These alkaloids interfere with the parasympathetic nervous system by blocking acetylcholine receptors.

6. Ten Diseases and Conditions Where Dhatura is Used

1. Apasmara (Epilepsy): Controls seizures by suppressing excessive nerve excitation.

2. Unmada (Psychosis): Reduces hallucinations, agitation, and violent behavior.

3. Shoola (Pain): Acts as an analgesic in neuralgia and abdominal pain.

4. Ardita (Facial palsy): Improves nerve conduction and reduces spasm.

5. Pakshaghata (Paralysis): Used in external formulations to revive neural activity.

6. Shvasa (Asthma): Smoking dried Dhatura leaves helps relax bronchial muscles.

7. Kasa (Chronic Cough): Reduces bronchial irritation.

8. Vrana (Ulcers/Wounds): Applied externally for pain relief and inflammation.

9. Gridhrasi (Sciatica): Used in oil or lepa form to manage nerve pain.

10. Sandhivata (Osteoarthritis): Alleviates joint inflammation and stiffness.

7. Ten Ayurvedic Formulations Containing Dhatura

1. Unmad Gajankusha Rasa – Used in severe psychosis.

2. Vatakulantaka Rasa – For neurological disorders.

3. Dhattura Taila – External application in vata disorders.

4. Mahavishagarbha Taila – For arthritis and joint pain.

5. Brahmi Vati – Supports cognitive health (contains trace Dhatura).

6. Apasmarantaka Rasa – Anti-epileptic herbal-metallic formulation.

7. Sarpagandhadi Churna – Manasika roga chikitsa.

8. Rasna Saptaka Kwatha – Used in Vata disorders, includes minor Dhatura extract.

9. Kasa Har Churna – Chronic cough management.

10. Dhattura Agarbatti – Used in fumigation therapy for mental disturbances.

8. Home Remedies

Note: Only under expert supervision – due to its high toxicity.

1. Dhatura Leaf Paste – Applied to arthritic joints to relieve pain.

2. Dhatura Smoke Inhalation – In ancient asthma therapy (now outdated).

3. Seed Powder + Ghee – Used in microdose for epilepsy.

4. Paste with Castor Oil – For localized nerve pain (external only).

5. Infused Oil Massage – In conditions like sciatica and paralysis.

9. Harmful Effects and Contraindications

• Toxicity Risk: Overdose leads to hallucination, convulsions, delirium, coma.

• Contraindicated in:

  • Children

  • Pregnant and lactating women

  • Individuals with heart disease or glaucoma

• Symptoms of Poisoning:

  • Dry mouth

  • Dilated pupils

  • Restlessness

  • Urinary retention

  • Hyperthermia

Always used only after Shodhana (purification) and in controlled dosage.

10. Relevance as Shoolprashman Dravya

In Ayurveda, Shoola refers to intense pain, especially from Vata imbalance. Dhatura is classified as one of the most potent Shoolprashman Dravyas due to its analgesic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.

• Soolanashaka: Suppresses nervous-origin pain.

• Vatanulomana: Restores balanced movement of Vata.

• Vedanasthapana: Calms nerve receptors to reduce pain signaling.

Used in the form of oils, lepa (paste), and fumigation to provide quick relief in arthritis, sciatica, and neurological pain.

Conclusion

Dhatura (Datura stramonium) occupies a unique and powerful place in Ayurvedic therapeutics. While its toxic nature demands utmost caution, its value as a Vata pacifying, pain-relieving, and mentally stabilizing herb is unparalleled. Especially in diseases like Apasmara, it bridges the gap between deep-rooted neurological imbalance and symptomatic control. Its use across various formulations and diseases like Unmada, Kasa, Shvasa, Gridhrasi, and Shoola confirms its therapeutic importance. Yet, its application must always be regulated, preferably by trained Ayurvedic practitioners.

Thus, Dhatura, when used with wisdom and respect, becomes not just a dangerous herb, but a divine weapon against suffering in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia.