Datura (jimson weed)

Its use was supposedly introduced to medieval Europe by gypsies who brought it from India.  The gypsies smoked it to experience hallucinations.  Because it also gives the sensation of flying and releases inhibitions, especially in women, jimson weed was associated in the Middle Ages with witchcraft.  Witches inhaled its vapors while casting their spells.

Jimson weed has been taken for its narcotic and hallucinogenic effects by Indian tribes from the southwestern U.S. to South America.   many tribes used it to induce visions in priests, medicine men, and others, including initiates in puberty rites.  The Zuni and many California Indian tribes set broken bones after administering jimson weed as an anesthetic.  The Mariposa tribe gave it to its women as an aphrodisiac.

The plant's name is derived from an incident involving soldiers who were sent to put down some rebellious colonists in Jamestown in 1676,  they ate the plant and were good for little but clowning for 11 days.  As a result, the plant came to be called Jamestown weed, which evolved into jimson weed.

Jimson weed is a dangerous plant in inexperienced hands, and an overdose is likely to be fatal.  DO NOT USE without medical supervision.  From The Herb Book by John Lust

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Datura