Many herbs have medicinal value and can benefit humans, but there are certain herbs that may be unhealthy, or even fatal. Over millennia, herbs have developed defensive chemicals to protect themselves from predators. Some of these chemicals may be toxic to humans even if used in small quantities. Never ingest herbs that you are not familiar with, and consult your health care provider before using herbs for medicinal treatment.
Bloodroot
Bloodroot, or Sanguinaria canadensis, is a small North American perennial whose roots, leaves and seeds produce a red sap. Traditionally, herbalists used it to treat coughs, ulcers, gingivitis and warts. Bloodroot contains a toxic alkaloid called sanguinarine. In their 2008 book, "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World," biologist Michael Wink and botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk note that sanguinarine has narcotic effects and can cause convulsions similar to strychnine poisoning. The alkaloids may also be potential mutagens and can damage DNA. Wink and van Wyk state that its use in commercial dental products is no longer considered safe, and sanguinarine is rarely used anymore. First aid for bloodroot poisoning includes inducing vomiting and administering medicinal charcoal. See your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of bloodroot poisoning.
Autumn Crocus
Autumn crocus, or Colchicum autumnale, is a small European plant with pink flowers. The bulbs resemble the edible onion bulbs, and herbalists have warned against confusing them since ancient times. The active toxin is the alkaloid called colchicine. Wink and van Wyk explain that colchicine poisoning begins with vomiting and diarrhea, and eventually results in convulsions, paralysis, respiratory arrest and cardiovascular collapse within a few days. To administer first aid, induce vomiting and give the patient medicinal charcoal. See your doctor immediately.
May Apple
May apple, or Podophyllum peltatum, is a North American perennial with white flowers that turn into a fleshy fruit. Wink and van Wyk note that poisoning has occurred when people eat the leaves in salads or the fruit during its toxic, unripe stage. In their 2000 book, "Medicinal Plants and Herbs," botanist Dr. James Duke and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster warn that even tiny amounts of the root or leaves are poisonous. The resin in the roots contains a lignan called podophyllotoxin, which can cause fetal deformities. The toxin can damage your central nervous system, causing coma and death from respiratory arrest. First aid includes medicinal charcoal and sodium sulphate.
Water Hemlock
Water hemlock, or Cicuta maculata, is a perennial herb that grows in marshy areas throughout the world. Steven Foster and James A. Duke note that you can easily mistake it for more harmless plants in the parsley family, but it differs from them by its purple-spotted stems. The toxic chemicals include polyacetylenes, which can cause epileptic seizures. Death usually occurs from respiratory arrest. Induce vomiting and give medicinal charcoal and sodium sulphate for first aid. See a doctor immediately.
References
- "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World"; Michael Wink and Ben-Erik van Wyk; 2008
- "Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
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