Poisonous Inktober - Day 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25
With those five, I wanted to make some kind of link with the folklore and traditions surrounding poisonous plants.
The first three, with flowers that look like helmets, are of the genus Aconitum. All members of this group are highly lethal. In Greek mythology, the herb was created from the slavering mouth of Cerberus (some of the symptoms caused after ingestion are similar to those caused by rabies). There are more commonly known to have been historically used to kill wolves and therefore, werewolves (see Teen Wolf).
If you saw or read Harry Potter, you may (or may not) recognize the fourth one. Due to the humanlike shape of the roots and the hallucinogenic effects, Mandrake has long been used in magic rituals. In the Middle Ages, by absorption through the skin, witches could be led into a deep trance. It also had a lot of therapeutical applications such as against rheumatic disorders or to assist women in childbirth.
The last one is known as Mountain-ash or Rowan (Teen Wolf again (￢ ￢)). Although it is not particularly harmful, mountain-ash wood is known for its magical and symbolic properties. It’s an important symbol in the Nordic mythology and is known as “Thor”s protection”.
Aconitum anthora
Anthore
Anthora, Yellow Monkshood, Healing Wolfsbane
Found in the Alps and the Carpathians, Anthora is absolutly deadly if ingested. Even though its roots can be used to counteract the effet of Ranunculus thora which gave the name “anti-thora”.
Aconitum napellus (subsp. napellus)
Aconit napel, Casque de Jupiter, Tue-loup bleu
Aconite, Wolfsbane, Monk’s blood
This one is considered as being one of the most dangerous poison of Europe. It’s also one of the oldest poison used by humans. In the Middle Age, healers prescribed it to those who were accused of being werewolves. Death after ingestion is almost instantaneous with motor weakness, tingling and numbness in the limbs, ventricular arrythmias, paralysis of the heart. The only post-mortem signs are asphyxia. Poisoning can even happen while handling the plant.
Aconitum lycoctonum (subsp. vulparia)
Aconit tue-loup, Aconit de Naples
Northern wolfsbane
Once used to poison foxes and wolves (hence the name), this plant has the same effect than Aconitum napellus and is often found next to it. It’s native of the Eurasian mountains.
Mandragora officinalis
Mandragore
Mandrake
This plant is native of the Mediterranean basin. Its root and leaves are particularly poisonous and in sufficient quantities, it can cause hallucinogenic and narcotic effect and even delirium.
Sorbus aucuparia
Sorbier des oiseleurs
Rowan, Mountain-ash
While not highly toxic, it is advised against consuming in large amounts. The fruits contain particularly a parasorbic acid and the seeds, a glycoside toxic.
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