Bittersweet Nightshade: Topical Uses & Healing Properties

The bittersweet nightshade is commonly overlooked for its rare cousin, Celastrus scandens nightshade, which is most commonly known to be poisonous upon ingestion. However, bittersweet nightshade is very useful for its topical healing properties; It can be used to treat anything from bruises, sprains, and inflammation, to psoriasis, acne, and eczema.

Instructions

• 1

  Add 1 to 2 grams of dried nightshade stem to 8 ounces of boiling water.

• 2

  Let cool and apply to affected skin, or soak the area in the mixture.

• 3

  For tea, steep 1 to 3 grams of bittersweet nightshade stem in 5 ounces of water. Drain the stems. This treatment helps with acne in particular.