Henbane: Yeah, Just Don’t

Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a deadly poison. I am writing this post because I get asked about it often, and frankly, the amount of misinformation and “BS” online about this plant is dangerous.

I do not recommend that anyone—even experienced herbalists—work with this herb. Personally, I won’t even use it for topical preparations. It is that toxic. Taking this plant internally can be, and often is, fatal.

A History of “Flying” and Poisoning
Henbane belongs to the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family, making it a cousin to Belladonna and Mandrake. It contains potent tropane alkaloids like hyoscyamine and scopolamine.

The “Flying Ointment”: Historically, Henbane was famously listed as one of the ingredients in “flying ointments” used by witches.

The Sensation of Flight: One of the primary symptoms of henbane poisoning is a profound sense of intoxication that begins with a distinct “floating” feeling. It’s highly likely that this specific hallucinogenic effect gave rise to the legends of witches flying on broomsticks.

Medicinal Folklore: While it was used in ancient times as a sedative or anodyne, the line between a “therapeutic” dose and a lethal dose is so thin that it is virtually non-existent for the modern home herbalist.

Critical Caution: Don’t Even Touch It
If you happen to find this plant in the wild, admire it from a distance—or better yet, just walk away.

Skin Absorption: The toxins in Henbane can be absorbed through the skin. If you are a professional researcher or collector, gloves must be worn at all times. Seriously, don’t touch this plant with your bare hands.

Internal Use: There is no “safe” way to prepare this at home. Internal consumption causes heart palpitations, blurred vision, extreme delirium, seizures, and death.

Growing and Harvesting Notes (For Identification Only)
I’m including this not so you can grow it, but so you can identify and avoid it.

Identification: It has large, coarsely toothed leaves and very distinct, creamy-yellow flowers with a “veiny” purple center. It smells quite foul—nature’s way of saying “stay away.”

Growing Conditions: It is a hardy plant that can be found in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 11. It loves disturbed soil, old pastures, and roadsides.

The Verdict on Harvesting: Don’t do it. The risks far outweigh any historical or “magical” curiosity.

The Verdict
Henbane is a fascinating piece of botanical history, but it has no place in a modern home apothecary. The “floating” sensation isn’t worth the very real risk of respiratory failure. Let’s leave the flying ointments in the history books and stick to the herbs that won’t kill us for a bit of curiosity.