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Spotted hemlock

Spotted hemlock is a very poisonous plant. In fact, all parts of the plant are poisonous. Spotted hemlock is most poisonous during the first stages of growth in spring, but it is also dangerous during all other stages of growth. The poison in spotted hemlock is so toxic that people have died after eating birds that had eaten spotted hemlock. Spotted hemlock is native to Europe and western Asia. It grows most often near hedges, along roadsides and in fields and can easily be mistaken for harmless plants. Poisoning has already occurred when the root of the spotted hemlock has been mistaken for parsnip root, the leaves for parsley and the seeds for aniseed. Despite serious safety concerns, the leaves, root and seeds of spotted hemlock are used in the manufacture of medicines.

Spottedhemlock is used to treat respiratory problems including bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma, as well as painful conditions including teething in children, swollen and inflamed joints and cramps. Spotted hemlock is also used for anxiety and manic disorders. Other uses include the treatment of cramps, tumors, skin infections, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and bladder infections. Spotted hemlock has also been used to counteract strychnine poisoning.

How does spotted hemlock work?

Spotted hemlock contains a poison that impairs the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. Deaths occur due to respiratory paralysis.

How effective is spotted hemlock?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of spotted hemlock for asthma, muscle spasms, manic disorders, bronchitis, whooping cough and asthma, as well as for relieving pain in teething children. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of spotted hemlock in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The use of all parts of spotted hemlock, including seeds, flowers and fruits, is not considered safe and harmless. Spotted hemlock is so toxic that it can be fatal. If you have accidentally ingested spotted hemlock, you should seek medical treatment immediately. Side effects and symptoms of poisoning include increased saliva production, a burning sensation in the digestive tract, drowsiness, muscle pain, rapid swelling and stiffening of the muscles, a rapid heart rate followed by a slow heart rate, loss of speech, paralysis, unconsciousness, heart and lung failure and death.

Precautions and warnings

The use of spotted hemlock is not safe or safe for anyone, but some groups of people are even more susceptible to adverse side effects.

Children: The use of spotted hemlock can be fatal, especially in children. Children can be poisoned by even small amounts of spotted hemlock. Some children have died after eating leaves of spotted hemlock or using the stems of spotted hemlock as a puff or pipe. Spotted hemlock should not be used to treat pain in teething children.

Pregnancy and lactation: The use of spotted hemlock is not safe and can be fatal.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of hemlock with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of spotted hemlock depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for spotted hemlock. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Drummer OH, Roberts AN, Bedford PJ, et al. Three deaths from hemlock poisoning. Med J Aust 1995;162:592-3.
  2. Frank BS, Panter KE. Ingestion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). West J Med 1995;163:573-4.
  3. Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis JM. Hemlock ingestions: the most deadly plant exposures. NACCT Abstracts 1996: Abstract #131.
  4. Lopez TA, Cid MS, Bianchini ML. Biochemistry of hemlock (Conium maculatum L.) alkaloids and their acute and chronic toxicity in livestock. A review. Toxicon 1999;37:841-65.
  5. Panter KE, Keeler RF, Baker DC. Toxicosis in livestock from the hemlocks (Conium and Cicuta spp.). J Anim Sci 1988;66:2407-13.