What Is Datura, And Does It Get You High?

Since ancient times, humans have used numerous plants and herbs to treat and prevent diseases and ailments. One of many such plants, the Datura species is no recent discovery.

According to archeological evidence, the plant was discovered long ago in ancient America, India, and Europe and was considered sacred across most religions. It has gained fame by various names such as moonflower, devil’s weed, thorn-apple, devil’s trumpet, hell’s bells, mahamohi, and jimsonweed. 

Although Datura is one of many deadly plants, it is used globally for its psychogenic, euphoric, and medicinal effects. This article will discuss the different properties of Datura, particularly emphasizing its euphoric results. Read on to find out all you need to know about this plant. 

What Is Datura?

Datura is a genus consisting of nine to twelve species. These include D. ceratocaula, D. stramonium, D. discolor, D. ferox, D. inoxia, D. metel, D. wrightii, D. Leichhardt, and D. quercifolia, among others. These herbaceous plants are typically found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide and belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. 

Datura species grow as freely branching annual plants that can attain a height of two to five feet or 60 to 150 cm. Their stems are solid and yellow-green to reddish-purple, giving rise to large, thin, and smooth leaves three to eight inches or eight to 20 cm long. The top of the leaves is pointed and dark green, whereas the bottom narrows out usually and obtains a lighter green shade.  

The flowers of the Datura species are shades of white, yellow, purple, and pink and have a distinct fragrance. The large flowers take a trumpet-like shape and bloom during the summer season. The shiny capsulated fruit of the plant ripens and splits into four different chambers, which contain lots of black, kidney-shaped seeds. All plant parts are poisonous; however, the leaves and seeds are frequently used. 

Chemistry Of Datura

According to numerous research, Datura comprises around 12 active chemical constituents, giving it the psychogenic properties it is known for. These are scopolamine, hyoscyamilactol, daturaolone, N-trans-feruloyl tryptamine, 7-hydroxy-beta-carbolinel-propionic acid, umckalin, daturadiol, cleomiscosin A,  1-Acetyl-7-hydrox-beta-carboline, scopoletin, fraxetin, and N-trans-ferulicacyl- tyramine.

The most potent components of Datura are scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine.  These agents decrease vital enzymes within the brain by blocking their target sites, which is the basis of their sedative and extremely hallucinogenic activity. All plant parts contain these chemical constituents in toxic amounts, and consumers must use them very carefully. 

Effects Of Datura On Body And Mind

For centuries, the Datura species and their different plant parts have been used as stimulants and reality-altering agents in traditional and folk medicine. Its active constituents are used to create a wide variety of pharmacological remedies. 

According to research published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine in March 2013, it was stated that Datura has long been used in Ayurvedic and Eastern medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including painful conditions of the muscles, bones, and joints, different kinds of wounds, and injuries, and lung diseases such as asthma. 

Datura contains hypnotic and sedative properties, which are very useful while treating mood disturbances such as chronic stress and prolonged sadness. By inducing a state of calm and keeping the mind relaxed, the plant reduces the physical manifestations of these conditions. It also increases fertility in males and females and reduces pain after a difficult childbirth. 

Datura’s impacts can be divided into two major categories; effects on the body and the mind. The physical effects of the psychogenic plant manifest first, and most users describe them as highly intense and distressing.

These include dryness of the mouth and throat, extreme sleepiness, decreased ability to pass urine, and difficulty in movement and coordination. The body feels unusually heavy, and the consumer usually needs to lie down. 

Most Datura users reported that their pupils dilated, and they developed eye pain in bright lights after taking the herb. They recommended wearing sunglasses for the week following consumption, particularly while driving. Increased pain sensitivity, electric current-like shocks, elevated heart rate, breathing and body temperature, and dizziness were also experienced. 

Datura is a mind-altering plant, and like other substances of this class, it can cause extreme changes in reality and create imaginary, exaggerated situations. According to a study published in Pharmacology and Abuse of Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy, and Related Designer Drugs, users experience difficulty differentiating between reality and fantasy and can experience euphoria for long durations. Long-term consumers recommend taking the herb in the presence of a sitter so that no adverse outcomes occur. 

The seeds of Dhatura increase sexual drive and activity and have even been used traditionally to decrease performance stress. Even though the plant induces sedation, it also acts as a stimulant and increases wakefulness, thus enhancing the euphoric effects.

By altering the mood, Datura causes behavioral changes, confusion, and aggression, leading to violent outbreaks. Often consumers have no previous memory of the event and even experience difficulty developing and remembering new memories. 

Does Datura Get You High?

Yes, Datura is a powerful plant that quickly induces euphoria and gets consumers high. Even though around four hours are needed for the full effects of the herb to become evident, most consumers started experiencing them after 30 mins of taking the plant orally and five minutes after smoking it.  

The trip usually lasts for 12-24 hours, but a Datura hangover may last for 2-3 days, depending on the plant part and species consumed. The most potent part of the plant would be its seeds which alone can provide all the needed high. Then, in decreasing potency, we come to the leaves, flowers, and lastly, the herb’s stems. 

People who have experienced Datura usually describe it as a dream where they are conscious. Mind-boggling sensations and thoughts, vivid imagery, talking to non-living objects, seeing dead relatives and friends, and complete detachment from reality and truth are all part and parcel of the high that comes with Datura usage. 

Dosage Of Datura To Achieve That High

The different plant parts of Datura contain various concentrations of active chemical constituents, making it difficult to pinpoint one particular safe dose of the herb. In addition, adequate dosage also depends on the user’s age, metabolism, and health.

If you consume the plant’s seeds, up to 10 seeds are enough for a mild to moderate effect. However, it is suggested to only use 1-3 seeds of Datura to ensure complete safety. Anywhere between 15 to 25 seeds are considered a fatal dose.  

When it comes to the plant’s leaves, they can be crushed into powder form and then smoked, brewed in the form of a tea, or made and applied as an ointment. The chemical agents found in the leaves are less potent, and hence the powder from one leaf or less than 15 grams of the leaf may be consumed to achieve that high. Between 15 and 100 grams of the leaves is considered a fatal dose.

Conclusion

Even though Datura has numerous benefits for health, it is still a hazardous plant owing to its high potency and toxicity. Just a few seeds can result in powerful effects, and hence the dosage needs to be carefully monitored. If you’re looking for something milder that you can thoroughly enjoy, then this might not be the herb for you.

However, if you’re in search of a mind-altering, life-changing experience, then this could be the perfect solution. But be sure to take the necessary precautions and start with the lowest dose available to have a safe experience.