Spotted Hemlock: Health Benefits and Poisoning
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The spotted hemlock (Conium maculatum) is very poisonous. The plant can be found along roadsides and banks in Asia, Europe and North America. The herbaceous plant can reach a height of 2 meters and has white lace-cap flowers. The spotted hemlock is difficult for the layman to distinguish from the many other umbels. The name Conium probably goes back to kone, which means 'to kill' in Greek. The ancient Greeks used the plant to carry out death sentences. The juice was used, among other things, to prepare the poison cup for the philosopher Socrates. In the past, the plant was used in the form of an ointment for inflammation of the lymph nodes, inflammation of the breast and purulent ulcers. Due to its high toxicity, the spotted hemlock can only perform its curative action without side effects if it is highly diluted.
What is the spotted hemlock?
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Lace-cap family
Toxins, Effects and Symptoms
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In humans The spotted hemlock is one of the most poisonous plants out there. The whole plant, but especially the unripe fruits, contain the highly toxic alkaloid coniine. This toxic compound is a nerve agent that is rapidly absorbed into the body by the skin and mucous membranes and is then rapidly metabolized. In case of (oral) poisoning there is a burning sensation in the mouth, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing and paralysis of the tongue. The poisoned person suffers from severe vomiting, diarrhea
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11 minMain dishpeanut oil, tofu stir-fry cubes finely seasoned, stir fry sauce sweet and sour, thick noodles, carrot julienne, beetroot julienne, yellow bell pepper, watercress,rainbow salad with tofu -
45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad -
30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade -
30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
Treating poisoning
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To date there is no antidote for spotted hemlock poisoning. Treatment depends on the severity of the complaints. In case of breathing difficulties, the doctor will look for ways to keep the ventilation going. The doctor will also try to clean the gastrointestinal tract to remove the poisonous plant parts from your system. If you experience seizures, you often get treatment with anti-epileptic drugs to reduce the symptoms. The doctor can also administer fluids intravenously to prevent dehydration
Health benefits of the spotted hemlock
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The spotted hemlock's venom has a numbing effect and leaves the skin numb. The plant was previously used for disorders of the respiratory organs and for cramps. Spotted hemlock used to be used medically to treat cancer. Because there are better and more harmless medicines today, the spotted hemlock is no longer used medicinally in 2020. Accurate dosing with the drug is very difficult because the curative and lethal dose are close to each other. Its use is therefore strongly discouraged! In homeopathy, a tincture of the fresh herb is used for spasmodic coughs and muscle spasms
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The spotted hemlock's venom has a numbing effect and leaves the skin numb. The plant was previously used for diseases of the respiratory organs and for cramps. Spotted hemlock used to be used medically to treat cancer. Because there are better and more harmless medicines today, the spotted hemlock is no longer used medicinally in 2020. Accurate dosing with the drug is very difficult because the curative and lethal dose are close to each other. Its use is therefore strongly discouraged! In homeopathy, a tincture of the fresh herb is used for spasmodic coughs and muscle spasms