Hemlock

Hemlock Speckled: Deadly Poisonous Plant

Speckled hemlock, also known as poison umbel or mouse hemlock, is a biennial plant in the umbrella family (Apiaceae). This plant has the pharmaceutical name “hemlock grass” and was previously widely used in medicine as a sedative and analgesic. However, its toxicity has been known since ancient times.

Botanical description of speckled hemlock

Hemlock Speckled has a spindle-shaped root and can reach a height of up to 2 meters. Its stem is highly branched in the upper part and has a bluish coating, and red spots often appear at the base. The leaves are twice or four times pinnately dissected. The involucres of the 10-20-rayed umbels consist of 5 leaflets and are bent back. The flowers are white, with an indistinct calyx. The fruits are round-ovoid, with wavy longitudinal ribs. The plant has a specific “mouse” smell.

Distribution and active ingredients

Speckled Hemlock is native to Europe, North Africa, Asia and North America and is found on roadsides, fences and hedges. However, its toxicity makes it dangerous to humans and animals.

Hemlock Speckled contains the deadly poisonous alkaloid coniine, as well as a number of other related alkaloids, flavone glycosides, coumarins and other substances. Coniine acts on the nervous system and can cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to death.

Uses of speckled hemlock

In homeopathy, speckled hemlock is used for attacks of dizziness, for coughs caused by various reasons (especially irritating ones), and for swelling of the glands. However, self-administration of speckled hemlock can lead to serious consequences, including death.

conclusions

Speckled hemlock is a deadly poisonous plant that contains the poisonous alkaloid coniine and can cause serious consequences, including death. Although its use in medicine was common in the past, nowadays its use should only be carried out by a physician according to certain protocols and under supervision. In general, speckled hemlock is a plant that should be avoided to avoid unintentional poisoning.