Black Nightshade: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions

Overview

Black nightshade is a plant. Originally, black nightshade was called “petit (small) morel” to distinguish it from the more poisonous species, deadly nightshade, that is known as “great morel.” You may hear black nightshade mistakenly referred to as “petty” morel, instead of the correct term, “petit” moral. People use the whole black nightshade plant including leaves, fruit, and root to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, black nightshade has been used for stomach irritation, cramps, spasms, pain, and nervousness.

Some people apply black nightshade directly to the skin for a skin condition called psoriasis, hemorrhoids, and deep skin infections (abscesses). The bruised, fresh leaves are put on the skin to treat swelling (inflammation), burns, and ulcers.

How does it work?

There isn’t enough information to know how black nightshade might work as a medicine.