Black nightshade is an annual herbaceous plant that can reach a height of one meter in height. Its stem is very branched and erect. As for the leaves, they are located on short petioles and have an ovoid shape. Their color is dark green. Most often, this annual is found near the railways and roads, in littered places, as well as in the form of weed in summer cottages. Many believe that when eaten, it can be poisoned. And in fact, black nightshade is poisonous or not? The answer to this question is only one: the plant is absolutely safe for health.
It develops best on loose, medium-moist soil. Reproduction occurs due to seeds. They germinate if the ambient temperature is about ten degrees heat. Shoots usually begin to appear in May, and end in August. Berry (black nightshade gives them quite a lot) usually has dark purple, almost black, color. There are times when its color is green, yellow and even white. Due to the rarity of a plant in our country, almost no one collects its fruits. Berries taste good. They can be eaten raw or as a filling for pies. In addition to them, you can eat young leaves. Before making the filling for the pie, cook jam or jam, the berries are scalded with boiling water. It should be noted that they are an excellent food coloring.
The aerial part of a plant such as black nightshade contains vitamins, carotene, citric acid, saponin, solanine and many other useful substances. This annual is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry in France, the UK, Portugal, Turkey and other countries. In Russia, the use of plants is more associated with traditional medicine. The infusion, which is based on black nightshade, is an excellent remedy against nervous agitation, headache, allergies, high blood pressure and rheumatism. In addition, the plant can be used as an antiseptic and analgesic.
It is believed that the fruits improve visual acuity. In addition, they are recommended for people who suffer from atherosclerosis and hypertension. In this case, it is necessary to eat about six grams of berries per day. You can also use a decoction, for the preparation of which two tablespoons of the fruit must be boiled in one glass of water. It is taken four times a day for one tablespoon. This allows you to reduce stomach pain, swelling, neurosis and many other unpleasant symptoms.
In America and some Western European countries, black nightshade has long been domesticated. In this regard, its decent harvests are annually collected. It should be noted that some of our gardeners also have cultivated varieties of this plant on their plots. Its main and undeniable advantage is that the fruits will appear on it in the first year. Moreover, unlike many other garden plants, nightshade boasts its healing properties.