When it comes to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many seek out holistic alternatives. Throughout your research, you may have come across self-reports of people using jimson weed for PTSD.

While these reports may seem promising, jimson weed is a dangerous substance with more cons than pros. Throughout this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the plant and how its usage may affect you.

What is Jimson Weed?

Jimson weed (datura stramonium) is a poisonous flowering plant that’s aggressively invasive in temperate and tropical climates across the world. Traditionally, it’s been used as medicine for various ailments. However, it also contains hallucinogenic affects that can cause intense and sacred visions.

Since jimson weed causes unpleasent feelings of disorientation or delirium, it’s not commonly abused. However, if taken in too large quantities, it can be cause overdose. Furthermore, even non-overdose servings can be severely toxic. ¹

The difficulty with dosing is toxin profile varies widely from plant to plant. In fact, there are as much as 20:1 variations found between plants. These differences depend on the plant’s age, where it grows, and the local weather.

Jimson Weed’s Traditional Uses

Atropine is one of the primary active ingredients in jimson weed. For centuries, it’s been used as traditional medicine and for recreational purposes.

Throughout the Americas, indigenous peoples (i.e. Aztecs, Navajo, Cherokee) and the indigenous peoples of Marie-Glante have used jimson weed in sacred ceremonies. ² Furthermore, it’s garnered a reputation for magical uses across cultures.

Is Jimson Weed Legal?

Since jimson weed is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, there are no federal regulations on the plant. However, certain states (i.e. New Jersey, Connecticut, and Tennessee) have passed legislation to control jimson weed.

If you want to use jimson weed for PTSD, it’s important to look into your local jurisdictions before buying any products online.

Can You Use Jimson Weed for PTSD?

Modern research does not provide enough evidence to suggest it can be used for mental health.

As of this time, a 2017 study on homeopathic remedies (including jimson weed), concluded that while evidence remains limited, further research is warranted to explore the potential of these herbs in treating specific disorders. Additionally, the study notes the possibility of bias in self-reported data. ³

This self-reported data is all we have in concerns with jimson weed for PTSD. Admittedly, PTSD patients have reported that it’s helpful in treating night terrors or nightmares. However, there’s no research to back up these claims.

Jimson Weed Dosage Recommendation

Currently, there’s no scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage of jimson weed. Furthermore, the exact dose you should take comes down to certain factors, such as your:

• Age
• Health
• Mental state

With this information, it’s important to understand that products sold online are not always safe to consume. While the label of a product may have a recommended dose, how that dose affects you compared to someone else can vary greatly.

Due to that last point, we will not be advertising any jimson weed products here. However, if you still plan to take them, it’s essential you consult your healthcare provider before using.

Jimson Weed Safety and Side Effects

Datura stramonium is considered toxic and can result in the following side effects: ⁴

• Breathing problems
• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Extreme thirst
• Fast heart rate
• Hallucinations
• High temperature
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Vision problems

Jimson weed can also be fatal. For adults, the deadly doses range between 15 to 100 grams of leaf or 15 to 25 grams of the seeds.

Other Herbal Remedies for PTSD

Since jimson weed is generally regarded as a dangerous substane, you may wonder what other herbal options you have for PTSD. We recommend the following:

• Ashwagandha – As an adaptogen, ashwagandha can aid in your stress repsonse, effectively lowering anxiety and sleep disorders. ⁵

• Cannabis – If you live in a legalized state, research suggests marijuana can help reduce anxiety and insomnia in military veterans. ⁶

• Kava Root – A powerful substance that can ease anxiety and relax muscles. In fact, some studdies suggest it can be used for extreme disorders, such as panic attacks. ⁷

Final Word

We do not recommend you take jimson weed for PTSD. There’s too little evidence to suggest it’s beneficial and overwhelming indication that it’s harmful to take. Therefore, if you need another option, we recommend you check out our guide on the best herbs for PTSD.

Jimson Weed for PTSD FAQs

References

¹ Glatstein M, Alabdulrazzaq F, Scolnik D. Belladonna Alkaloid Intoxication: The 10-Year Experience of a Large Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital. Am J Ther. 2016 Jan-Feb;23(1):e74-7. doi: 10.1097/01.mjt.0000433940.91996.16. PMID: 24263161.

² Isaac G, Finn S, Joe JR, Hoover E, Gone JP, Lefthand-Begay C, Hill S. Native American Perspectives on Health and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Environ Health Perspect. 2018 Dec;126(12):125002. doi: 10.1289/EHP1944. PMID: 30675814; PMCID: PMC6371761.

³ Mathie RT, Ramparsad N, Legg LA, Clausen J, Moss S, Davidson JR, Messow CM, McConnachie A. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of non-individualised homeopathic treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2017 Mar 24;6(1):63. doi: 10.1186/s13643-017-0445-3. PMID: 28340607; PMCID: PMC5366148.

⁴ Dugan GM, Gumbmann MR, Friedman M. Toxicological evaluation of jimson weed (Datura stramonium) seed. Food Chem Toxicol. 1989 Aug;27(8):501-10. doi: 10.1016/0278-6915(89)90045-8. PMID: 2792973.

⁵ Mikulska P, Malinowska M, Ignacyk M, Szustowski P, Nowak J, Pesta K, Szeląg M, Szklanny D, Judasz E, Kaczmarek G, Ejiohuo OP, Paczkowska-Walendowska M, Gościniak A, Cielecka-Piontek J. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Mar 24;15(4):1057. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041057. PMID: 37111543; PMCID: PMC10147008.

⁶ Betthauser K, Pilz J, Vollmer LE. Use and effects of cannabinoids in military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2015 Aug 1;72(15):1279-84. doi: 10.2146/ajhp140523. PMID: 26195653.

⁷ Savage KM, Stough CK, Byrne GJ, Scholey A, Bousman C, Murphy J, Macdonald P, Suo C, Hughes M, Thomas S, Teschke R, Xing C, Sarris J. Kava for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (K-GAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2015 Nov 2;16:493. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0986-5. PMID: 26527536; PMCID: PMC4630875.