This drug and poison is an intoxicant that eventually makes its users fall asleep, sometimes into a coma. Used by herbalists to dull pain and put patients to sleep, it was soon discovered the plant was also quite toxic, causing dulled vision, nervousness, delirium, and convulsions. However, henbell has a vile taste and is easily identifiable in food and drink, so only the spiciest foods can mask it.[1a]