Umathai, dhatura in Hindi, is a coarse nightshade with large, white or purple trumpet flowers and spiny, round seed capsules. Every part, especially the seeds, contains atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which cause dangerous poisoning. In India dhatura is offered to Shiva, and thieves have used its seeds to drug travellers’ food. It must never be eaten or smoked.
- Botanical name
- Datura metel L.
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Tamil
- Umathai
- Hindi
- Dhatura
- Sanskrit
- Dhūstūra
- Parts used
- None on this page
- Habit
- Coarse nightshade with trumpet flowers and spiny capsules; all parts are poisonous
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Umathai
It is a bushy annual or short-lived perennial, usually waist-high, with purple or green stems.
The leaves are large, broad and oval, with wavy or shallowly toothed edges.
The flowers are long trumpets, white, purple or yellow, often double, and fragrant at night.
The fruit is a round capsule covered in short, knobbly spines, which splits irregularly when ripe.
The seeds are flat, light brown and kidney-shaped.
Traditional use of Umathai
Ritual
Dhatura flowers and fruits are offered to Shiva, especially at Maha Shivaratri.
Hindu ritual practice
Ayurveda
Dhattura is used in a few formulas only after purification, mainly for breathing complaints and externally for pain.
Ayurvedic practice
Modern notes on Umathai
Its alkaloids block acetylcholine, causing dry mouth, hot dry skin, dilated pupils, a racing heart, confusion and hallucinations.
Doctors recall the symptoms as hot as a hare, blind as a bat, dry as a bone, red as a beet and mad as a hatter.
Scopolamine and atropine from related plants are used as medicines in exact doses.
Umathai safety
Never eat, drink or smoke any part of dhatura, and keep children away from the seeds and flowers. Anyone showing confusion and dilated pupils after eating unknown seeds needs emergency care.
Ecology and sourcing
It probably originated in the Americas and now grows as a weed across the tropics.
Hawkmoths pollinate its night-scented flowers.
It grows on waste ground and roadsides.
Related plants
Also in Solanaceae
Questions about Umathai
Is dhatura poisonous?
Yes. Every part is toxic.
Why is Umathai offered to Shiva?
It is a traditional offering.
What are the signs of poisoning?
Dry mouth, hot skin, dilated pupils and confusion.
Is Umathai used in medicine?
Related alkaloids are, in exact doses.
How can I recognise Umathai?
Large trumpet flowers and spiny round capsules.
Sources
- Datura metel L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q715019 (Datura metel)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.