Poisonous herbs contain toxins that can make you ill or cause death, even in small amounts. There are approximately 750 plant toxins, according to the 2008 book "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World" by biologist Michael Wink and botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk. Yet, many of these toxins have powerful medicinal properties and are used in conventional medicine to treat diseases like cancer and heart problems. Do not attempt to treat yourself with these herbs, but consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice.
Plant Toxins
Plants produce primary metabolites, which help it grow and reproduce, and secondary metabolites, usually bitter or deadly substances that help ward off predators. Plant toxins come from secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids and glycosides. The most dangerous substances include neurotoxins, which affect the central nervous system, and poisons that cause tissue and organ damage. Because they are so potent, many secondary metabolites have been used as a basis or chemical model for pharmaceutical drugs.
Monkshood
Monkshood, or Aconitum napellus, is a perennial herb with hood-shaped flowers. It contains several alkaloids, including aconitine, mesaconitine and hypaconitine, which have a toxic effect on the nervous system. The plant can cause death within three hours by respiratory or cardiac arrest, according to Wink and van Wyk. Medicinally, monkshood is a useful painkiller for nerve pain. It's also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat pain and edema. Never use this herb without the careful monitoring of a qualified professional.
Foxglove
Foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a tall plant with bell-like purple-spotted flowers. The active ingredients include digitoxin, a potent glycoside. Wink and van Wyk state that this plant can cause rapid heart failure. Medicinally, foxglove is the source of the drug digoxin, used to treat heart insufficiency and irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation. Use foxglove remedies only on the advice of your physician.
Yew
Yew trees, or Taxus spp., are small evergreens native to Europe, Asia and North America. The bark of the Pacific yew, or Taxus brevifolia, produces a toxin called taxol, which affects the kidneys and respiratory system, and leads to coma and death within 24 hours. But taxol is also an important medicinal and chemotherapy agent. In his 2008 book, "Medicinal Plants: Chemistry and Properties," botanist M. Daniel from the M.S. University of Baroda explains that the drug stops cancer cell division and is also used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, lupus and Candida fungal infections. The leaves of the European yew tree, or Taxus baccata, also produce taxol. A semi-synthetic analogue, known as docetaxel, is formulated from this species and used to treat many relapsed cancers. You should only use chemicals from these plants under the supervision of a medical professional.
References
- "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World"; Michael Wink and Ben-Erik van Wyk; 2008
- "Medicinal Plants: Chemistry and Properties"; M. Daniel; 2008
Member Comments