laudanum is the name of a tincture containing opium. paracelsus thought that it was good for treating almost anything. according to paracelus, laudanum consists of about 9 parts wine, and one part opium. other ingredients, such as henbane, mandrake and deadly nightshade were commonly added. since its discovery in the 16th century, laudanum was often used to treat different diseases. its popularity and use is comparable to the modern drug aspirin. its main effect was that of the opium: it was a painkiller, and a sedative.