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The Philosopher’s Poison. To Take Poison Hemlock or Not?
The question really is how to not take it.
Poison hemlock is one of the world’s most toxic plants. People mistake this plant for wild carrots and parsley. This plant, however, has a bitter taste and burns the mouth.
This hemlock has been confused with water hemlock, another toxic plant we will discuss later.
The Poison Hemlock shouldn’t be confused with a non-toxic conifer tree called a Hemlock.
This plant has white flowers that grow in clusters, the stem has purple spots and can reach nine feet in height.
Toxic Dose
All parts are poisonous, but the white taproot contains the highest toxin concentration. The alkaloids can affect nerve impulse transmission to your muscles, eventually killing you through respiratory failure.
This plant can be fatal in small amounts. Even touching it may cause a skin reaction in some people, and there is no antidote.
It is also known as deadly hemlock, poison parsley, California fern, and spotted hemlock.
Pharmacokinetics
There is limited data on this plant.
Following ingestion, the alkaloids are easily absorbed. Symptoms may occur within…
