Herb of the Week: Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana)

Welcome to the latest instalment of Herb of the Week (although I have not been very consistent in making them weekly). This entry looks at the mysterious, delicate and mystical Enchanter’s Nightshade.

What is Enchanter’s Nightshade

Circaea lutetiana, also known as Enchanter’s Nightshade, is a native plant common to the UK. It is a member of the Evening Primrose family, Onagraceae. It is important to note that despite its name, Enchanter’s Nightshade is not related to the poisonous Nightshade family. In fact, although not considered edible, this herb is not considered poisonous. It prefers moist, rich soil with some shade and finds a perfect home within our woodland areas, although it can survive in poorer soils [1]. The genus name comes from the Greek enchantress Circe, who was known for her vast knowledge of herbs and potions. Its specific name comes from Lutetia, the Latin name for Paris, which was known as the “Witch City” [2].

How to Identify Enchanter’s Nightshade

Enchanter’s Nightshade is a perennial herbaceous plant that has simple, rounded leaves on opposing sides of slender green stems. The leaves are slightly notched at the base and narrow gradually to a point at the tip. The flowers, which appear between June and September, are white/pink and very small (5mm). It grows between 20cm to 60cm with occasional larger plants being found [3]. The fruit of the plant are oval seeds that are covered in hairlike hooks that allow easy dispersal [4].

History of Enchanter’s Nightshade

Touching upon the name meaning mentioned earlier, I think exploring the mythology behind the name association could help up further explore this plant. Circe is described as the daughter of Helios the sun god and the sea nymph Perse, a combination of both sun and water [5]. She was a sorceress and enchantress who is known for her knowledge of herbs and potions, which she used to transform people into animals [6]. She is best known for her role in transforming the soldiers of Odysseus into animals after they invaded her home, the island of Aeaea. Odysseus managed to gain her favour with the help of an herb known as Moly that was given to Odysseus to help him resist Circe’s power. Moly has latter been attributed, by some medical historians, as being the modern Snowdrop [7].

European folklore often associates this herb with magic, witches and enchantment. But despite its name and association with Circe, there is not a lot of information on magical or medical uses of this delicate plant.

Magical Uses of Enchanter’s Nightshade

It is said that carrying, or wearing the flower, can protect you from evil spirits and ensure safe travel through dangerous landscapes [8]. The plant can be useful in aiding workings of attraction, not just love but anything you are trying to attract. Enchanter’s Nightshade is also associated with magics of hexing and binding [9].

As stated above, there is not many recorded magical associations with this herb, but that does not mean that it does not have its uses. If we look at the story of Circe, this herb could be associated with transformation and shapeshifting. It could aid in shamanic journeying and glamour magic. This is of course my own UPG, but practice continues to evolve and there is nothing wrong with discovering additional uses for herbs. Afterall, in my opinion, plants found in your home square mile will always be more powerful than those you purchase.

Medical Uses of Enchanter’s Nightshade

Enchanter’s nightshade has been used to treat wounds and conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. It is full of antioxidants and helps produce collagen [10].

It is believed that regular consumption of this herb can improve the function of your immune system. It contains essential nutrients and vitamins. Detoxification is also another benefit of consuming this plant which helps support overall health [11].

Gout can also be treated when taken as a tea or mixed with alcohol and used as a rub [12].

Although considered non-poisonous, Enchanter’s Nightshade contains a lot of tannins, making it taste very bad.

Conclusion

Enchanter’s Nightshade remains an enigmatic presence. She is delicate and discreet; she guards her mysteries closely. To truly understand her gifts, a practitioner must cultivate a deep relationship with the plant, for only then do its possibilities reveal themselves. As with all wild herbs, approach harvesting with care: verify identification through multiple sources and gather responsibly to protect the species for future generations.

Sources

[1] https://www.rhs.org.uk/weeds/Enchanter’s-nightshade

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circaea_lutetiana

[3] Ibid

[4] https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/Enchanter’s-nightshade

[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circe#:~:text=In%20Greek%20mythology%2C%20Circe%20(/,woodpecker%20for%20resisting%20her%20advances.

[6] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Circe-Greek-mythology

[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moly_(herb)

[8] https://sidmouth-nature.uk/hub-detail/Enchanter’s%20Nightshade#:~:text=Throughout%20history%2C%20the%20Enchanter%27s%20Nightshade,skin%20conditions%20and%20menstrual%20disorders.

[9] https://www.kitchenwitchhearth.net/post/Enchanter’s-nightshade-by-heather#:~:text=Magical%20Properties,binding%2C%20hexing%2C%20and%20love.

[10] https://www.picturethisai.com/benefits/Circaea_lutetiana.html#:~:text=Anti-Inflammatory%20Properties,is%20its%20role%20in%20detoxification

[11] Ibid

[12] https://iwt.ie/species-of-the-week-Enchanter’s-nightshade/#:~:text=The%20plant%20is%20not%20actually,and%20used%20as%20a%20rub

_{Please consult your doctor before using any herbs, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. You are responsible for your own health. Information provided on this blog is for curio and entertainment purposes only.}