Atropa belladonna, a.k.a. deadly nightshade, is laden with atropine, an extremely toxic chemical with healing properties.

Symptoms of belladonna poisoning include dilated pupils, a rapid heart rate, hallucinations, a feeling of flight, and a sense of suffocation.

Atropine is used medically as an antidote to other poisons and to re-energize an abnormally slow or arrested heartbeat. Atropine eydrops are used to dilate the pupils; the common name “belladonna” (or “beautiful lady” ) comes from the cosmetic use of such eyedrops.

Belladonna, beautiful lady… I fear that I have been poisoned by your essence. When I look at you, my pupils become dilated… my heart races… my breath becomes swift and ragged… my mind races with wild fantasies… I feel myself flying.