Henbane and its application in ancient medicine and veterinary Cover Image

Lulek czarny i jego zastosowanie w starożytnej medycynie i weterynarii
Henbane and its application in ancient medicine and veterinary

Author(s): Agnieszka Bartnik
Subject(s): History, Ancient World
Published by: Instytut Historyczny Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego

Summary/Abstract: The plants of the nightshade family, including henbane, were already known in ancient times. This plant was widely used in medicine and veterinary. It was also used in religious ceremonies and as a poison. Knowledge of the toxicity of henbane was common, even popular encyclopedias warned against its use. Nevertheless its analgesic properties were appreciated although opium or mandrake was used much more readily and the use of henbane was tried to be limited. It was used more widely in the late antiquity and in the Byzantine Empire, although in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire it has lost its importance because magical properties were put down to it combining it with witches and their practices.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 103-117
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Polish
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