Rasa (Taste)
Tikta, Katu
The primary taste perceived on the tongue.
Dhatura (Thorn Apple)
Dhatura is a poisonous medicinal plant commonly found throughout India.
Medicinal Plant
Dhatura (Thorn Apple)
Datura metel Linn. · Solanaceae
Dhatura is a poisonous medicinal plant commonly found throughout India.
Scientific Name
Datura metel Linn.
Family
Solanaceae
Hindi Name
Dhatura
Used Part
Patra (Leaves), Beej (Seeds)
Botanical Description
About the Dhatura Plant
Morphology and field-identification notes as documented in our Dravyaguna library.
Dhatura is a poisonous medicinal plant commonly found throughout India. It is an erect, branched herb or small shrub with large ovate leaves. Flowers are large, funnel-shaped, white or purple in colour. Fruits are spiny capsules containing numerous seeds. Leaves possess a characteristic unpleasant odour.
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa Panchaka — Classical Properties
The five-fold framework Ayurveda uses to describe a drug — Rasa, Guna, Vipaka, Veerya and its effect on the doshas.
Guna (Qualities)
Laghu, Snigdha
Physical and energetic attributes of the dravya.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)
Katu
Taste that emerges after complete digestion.
Dosha Karma (Action on Doshas)
Kaphavata Shamaka
Effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.
Veerya (Potency)
Ushna
Heating (ushna) or cooling (sheeta) energy.
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma)
Vedanasthapana, Shothahara, Krimighna, Kushtaghna, Vranahara, Shwasahara.
Modern Phytochemistry
Chemistry & Pharmacology
How modern science maps onto the classical understanding of this dravya.
Pharmacological Action
What the Science Says
Antispasmodic, Analgesic, Sedative, Bronchodilator, Antimicrobial/
Phytoconstituents
Active Compounds
Dhatura contains tropane alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine.
Therapeutic Usage
Clinical Applications of Dhatura
Classical Ayurvedic indications drawn directly from the Dravyaguna tradition — paired with the preparations recommended in shastra.
01
Leaves are used externally in painful swellings and joint pain.
02
Seed powder is used in asthma .
03
Leaf smoke is traditionally used in respiratory disorders.
04
Useful in skin diseases and wound management
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician before using any herb therapeutically. Dose, anupana and Prakriti-specific suitability matter.
Yoga / Kalpana
Classical Formulations
Common Ayurvedic preparations where Dhatura is a key ingredient.
- Kanakasava , Dhaturadi Taila , Vishagarbha Taila.
Shastra Pramana
Classical Reference
मातुलो मदनश्चास्य फले मातुलपुत्रकः । धत्तूरो मदवर्णाग्निवातकृज्ज्वरकुष्ठनुत् ॥८६। कषायो मधुरस्तिक्तो यूकालिक्षाविनाशकः । उष्णो गुरुर्ब्रणश्लेष्मकण्डूकृमिविषापहः ॥८७॥ (BH. Ni.)