It is believed that this plant appeared as a warning about the danger of an attack by the Tatars. In a sudden attack, the Tatars killed the Cossacks and began looting. And this plant sprouted from the bodies and bones of the killed warriors with a warning shout "Veh!", Which is very close in meaning to such a word as "enemy".
Nomads ate roots of plants - the hemlock root is easily pulled from the ground and this is its most poisonous part. More than one Tatar poisoned himself with an innocent root with the smell of rutabaga and parsley.
Poisonous milestone in folk medicine
The poisonous milestone is called cicuta, and its poisonous compound is called cicutoxin. There are suspicions in historians that it was this plant that played a fatal role in the poisoning of Socrates.
Why is a poisonous milestone dangerous?
Just three grams of the ground part or rhizome is enough for a person to get poisoned and die within one hour. Death will occur from paralysis of the respiratory centers, if urgent measures are not taken to neutralize this strong and dangerous poison.
Often acute heart failure is added to the paralysis of the respiratory centers. What can be done in case of an overdose:
- medical assistance as quickly as possible;
- abundant use of water with potassium permanganate;
- an attempt to induce profuse vomiting;
- gastric lavage;
- a large number of activated carbon - inside;
- crushed and roasted dry coffee beans as a sorbent - inside.
The poisonous milestone is also dangerous because it has the familiar smell of parsley or celery. The smell dulls the sense of danger, and in children it can make them want to chew the stem or leaves, which is extremely dangerous - you can get burned.
Symptoms of cicutoxin poisoning are similar to any food poisoning:
- nausea,
- dizziness,
- stomach ache,
- tachycardia,
- salivation.
What is the use of a poisonous milestone and who needs to consume a poisonous milestone
- Poisonous milestones can be most beneficial in the treatment of cancer, joint diseases and epileptic seizures. In the treatment of oncology, the active substances of hemlock, moving along with the bloodstream, kill cancer cells and prevent their further metastasis. Most drugs - only stop the development of the disease, cicuta, thanks to the substance cicutin, cures cancer without further relapse.
- There is an opinion among people that everything poisonous is useful in micro doses. It is believed that any poisonous plant with minimal use, it becomes a medicine due to the presence of poison. But the point is a little different.
Poison in a milestone, as in any poisonous plant species, is necessary for the growth and development of the specimen itself and its preservation healing properties... It is the poison cicutoxin that keeps the medicinal substances of the plant in a state of biological activity, the same poison is involved in the metabolic processes of plant growth. Without the poison, the plant cannot grow. - There is a lot of literature data on the benefits of cicutoxin poison in the treatment of cancer and melanomas. And in fact medicinal properties poison has no! If the extract is purified from cicutoxin, then the therapeutic effect will be much greater, since the need to apply the drug in micro doses will disappear.
- Russian scientist V.V. Yakovlev used the opportunity to separate the poisonous part of the extract from the medicinal one and received the most effective remedy for the treatment of cancer disease, cytomegalovirus, melanoma. The drug is called "Cicutin" and is a 70% alcoholic extract of the rhizome and roots of the poisonous milestone.
- The drug is effective in the treatment of cancer of the first, second and third stages of the disease. There is no need to be afraid of an overdose of "Cicutin", since the poison is extracted - if you buy a ready-made tincture (sold only through online stores).
How to use the poisonous milestone correctly. Recipes and schemes of use
The drug is taken on an increasing basis - from 1 ml to a maximum dose of 5 ml, and then - in a decreasing concentration of the drug to 1 lm. Two weeks off and - repeat the course to avoid relapse.
The scheme of using the drug "Cicutin" for cancer: 
From the 21st day, we take 1.0 ml (9 days).
40 drops of the drug is 1.0 ml. Take in the morning half an hour before meals, diluting the dose with water 1: 3.
Perhaps this information will save someone's life, since official medicine it does not distribute in spite of all the completed documentation.
Tsikuta is used in the form of compresses for arthrosis, arthritis and rheumatism. Pain relieving ointments can be prepared.
If you prepare the tincture yourself, you need to be very careful, since even the fumes of any parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Preparation of hemlock tincture - recipe
We put on rubber gloves and a bandage on the mouth and nose, preferably in the open air.
If the hemlock root is fresh - you need 5 grams, when we use dry - 10 grams. Pour the crushed material with 100 mg of 70% alcohol. We insist 10 days. Poisonous properties do not disappear! We use activated carbon cleaning 1:10 for two days, constantly shaking the mixture (every 2 hours).
Treatment is carried out after consulting a doctor and under his supervision. Using hemlock in folk medicine can bring many seriously ill patients back to life.
Other names: cicuta, cat's parsley, elk, omega, omezhnik, water rabies, mutnik, angelica, gorigolova, pork louse.
One of the most poisonous plants. The whole plant is poisonous, but especially the rhizome. Cicuta is insidious with its pleasant carrot smell and rhizome, which tastes like rutabaga or radish. 100-200 g of rhizome is enough to kill a cow, and 50-100 g kill a sheep. Prepared from seeds and rhizomes hemlock oil or cicutol. Although cicutol is considered poisonous, the gum of the root contains cicutoxin(see below), the most poisonous beginning of cicut, within a few minutes after ingestion, causing nausea, vomiting and colic in the lower abdomen, which may be followed by dizziness, staggering gait, foaming at the mouth. Pupils are dilated, seizures and seizures can result in paralysis and death. Help in case of poisoning - prompt gastric lavage with a suspension of activated carbon and tannin.
Description
Vech is a herb up to 1-1.2 m high with a characteristic vertical, thick, fleshy rhizome. With a longitudinal section in the rhizome, whole line transverse cavities filled with a yellowish liquid. This is a distinctive feature of the windshield. The stem is smooth, branched, hollow. The leaves are large, sharp-toothed at the edges, twice-pinnate, the lower ones are almost thrice-pinnate-dissected with linear-lanceolate, pointed and sharp-serrated leaflets. Small, white flowers are clustered in complex umbrellas with 10-15 main rays. The envelopes are absent (an important difference from the spotted hemlock), but there are envelopes with 8-12 leaves for each umbrella. A single flower is built according to the quintuple system. Fruits are small, consisting of two hemispherical achenes Brown color; with outside each achene has 5 wide longitudinal ribs; the inner sides of each achene are facing each other, almost flat, of a lighter color, with a wide, dark stripe in the middle.
Vech is a perennial, it grows in low, swampy meadows, along the banks of rivers, streams and ponds, in ditches, in a word, in places where there is a sufficient amount of water. In spring, this plant grows faster than others and stands out against the general background for its size, attracting the attention of animals. It has a thick white rhizome and small, thin roots, therefore it is poorly strengthened in the soil and easily pulled out completely. Greens, and especially the rhizome, have a specific, slightly stupefying, aromatic odor that resembles the smell edible plant celery (Apium graveolens L.). It blooms in the second half of summer (July-August). Propagated by seeds. Distributed in almost everything the former USSR as well as in northern parts of Western Europe, Asia and North America.
Toxicology
The milestone is one of the most poisonous plants. In addition, this plant is especially insidious due to its taste... The most detailed study of the toxic properties of a milestone was carried out in the 70s of the XX century by Bam in Dorpat. Experimental study toxicity milestone poisonous for agricultural and laboratory animals was carried out by N.G. Kozhemyakin in 1954.
The poisonous beginning is amorphous cicutoxin containing up to 0.2% in fresh and up to 3.5% in dry rhizome. Cicutoxin was isolated in 1875 by Bem in the form of light yellow oily drops, which later turned into a light brown, homogeneous, viscous, resinous mass of an unpleasant bitter taste, without a special odor. Cicutoxin dissolves well, without residue, in ether, chloroform, as well as in boiling water and alkaline solutions. Under the action of concentrated acids and alkalis, cicutoxin is destroyed. According to modern data, it is neither an alkaloid nor a glycoside, but a derivative of pyrrone and has chemical formula below. In addition, the plant contains an essential oil - cicutol (in fruits up to 1.2%) with a variety of terpenes.
Milestone rhizome is especially poisonous in early spring and late autumn. However, at other times of the year, its toxicity remains and remains high. Cicutoxin and other toxic substances of the milestone are not destroyed either by high temperatures or by long-term storage... Cases of milestone poisoning of animals are most common in the spring. Among large animals, poisoning was observed mainly in cattle. This is due to the less pickiness of animals to eat grass and the fact that the plant itself is very easily pulled out by the roots. It is said that hemlock juice mixed with wine yeast plunges birds into lethargy, although larks and quails can safely peck at the seeds of the poisonous milestone.
Chemical structure of cicutoxin
Notes (edit)
Sources of
- Vyoh: Taxonomy on the GRIN website
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
Synonyms:- Vehbi H.
- Milestone (plant)
See what "Poisonous Milestone" is in other dictionaries:
milestone poisonous- tsikuta Dictionary of Russian synonyms. milestone poisonous n., number of synonyms: 3 plant (4422) ... Synonym dictionary
THE POISONOUS MAGNITUDE- cicuta, a perennial poisonous herbaceous plant. Stems are straight up to 1 m high, branched, hollow. The rhizome is turnip-like, thick and fleshy, with hollow compartments inside. Leaves are double-pinnate with narrow-lanceolate sharp-serrated lobes. Inflorescence ... ... Agricultural Dictionary
Milestone poisonous- Cicuta virosa L. Umbelliferae family. Perennial, glabrous, herbaceous plant, 50 150 cm high. Rhizome short, thick, vertical, divided transverse partitions on separate chambers, seated over the entire surface with white, ... ... Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
milestone poisonous- Table 39. Poisonous plants: 1 - poisonous milestone; 2 - leafless anabasis (barnyard); 3 - Dzungarian aconite (wrestler); 4 - garden spurge; 5 - caustic buttercup; 6 - castor oil plant; 7 - crosspiece ... ... Agriculture... Big encyclopedic dictionary
THE POISONOUS MAGNITUDE- (Cicuta virosa), a perennial herb of the umbrella family. The stem is branched, hollow, 50-150 cm high. The rhizome is hollow, divided by partitions inside. Leaves are double or triple pinnate. The flowers are white small, in complex umbrellas. ... ... Veterinary encyclopedic dictionary
THE POISONOUS MAGNITUDE- (Cicuta virosa), perennial herbaceous seed. umbrella, one of the naib. poisonous rye of the flora of the USSR. Distributed everywhere, grows along swampy shores of reservoirs, swamps, in alder forests. All parts of V. i., Especially the rhizome, contain ... ... Agricultural encyclopedic dictionary
Milestone poisonous- 378. Cicuta virosa L ... Flora of the Central Forest State Reserve
POISONOUS AGE (CICUTA VIROSA L.)- see Perennial with a strongly swollen hollow rhizome, divided inside by partitions into separate chambers. Stem 50 150 cm high, rounded. The lower leaves are petiolate, the upper leaves are sessile. Their plates are twice or three times peristores cut, segments ... Forest herbaceous plants
milestones- (cicuta), a genus of perennial aquatic and marsh grasses of the umbrella family. About 10 species, mainly in North America. In Eurasia, a poisonous milestone is widespread, all parts of which contain a toxin that causes poisoning (often fatal) in ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
THE AGE- cicuta (Cicuta), a genus of perennial grasses of the family. umbrella. Leaves are double, four-pinnate. The flowers are white, in complex umbrellas; the fruit is round. OK. 10 (according to other data, up to 20) species, in the temperate zone of the North. hemisphere (b.h. in North America). In the USSR 1 ... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary
Cicuta is a herb used by folk medicine to treat many diseases, it is also called a poisonous milestone. Excessive toxicity of all elements is dangerous: inflorescences, stems, leaves and roots. Poisonous properties are inherent in any part of hemlock. Outwardly, the milestones resemble a swamp angelica (you cannot distinguish them from the photo), this increases the likelihood of accidental poisoning.
What is a poisonous milestone
Cicuta (water hemlock) - perennial grass growing throughout the European territory of Russia. Often found in swampy meadows. Belongs to the milestones of the umbrella family. Tsikuta grows up to a meter tall, featuring lush green smooth stems. Milestone leaves are pinnate, dissected, pointed, with small sharp teeth at the edges.
Characteristic distinctive feature- the fleshy poisonous rhizome of hemlock, this is its most toxic part. 100 gram milestone root - lethal dose for the cow that ate it. Small livestock is enough for half. Hemlock root resin contains the highest concentration of toxins in spring and autumn. In winter and summer, the rhizome is less toxic, although the toxicity of the plant does not disappear.
Composition
The milestone seeds and roots contain a poisonous substance - an essential oil with amorphous cicutoxin and cicutol. These substances are toxic, and cicutin, found in all elements of the plant, is also. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids and flavonoids, isorhamnetin and quercetin. They can be dangerous for cattle that have swallowed even a little - poisoning is possible. This happens quite often: a bright plant easily attracts the attention of animals, blooms beautifully, and has a pleasant taste.
Properties
The substance cicutoxin, dissolved in boiling water, alkaline solution, chloroform in small doses, has a slight sedative and relaxing effect, reduces hyperdynamic syndrome. Alternative medicine infusion of cicuta virosa is widely used in the treatment of epilepsy, headache attacks, convulsions. Poisonous cicuta is used to relieve sore joints.
Poisoning with a poisonous milestone
A plant that is dangerous in its toxicity can be found everywhere, since it is very common. It is necessary to clearly understand what a cicuta is in order not to face poisoning. Intoxication occurs when any part of the plant is ingested, even a small amount of milestone, because it contains cicutoxin. Hemlock juice can cause poisoning, penetrating through the epidermis. Even the characteristic smell of a poisonous milestone is dangerous.
Symptoms
The first signs of hemlock poisoning and damage to the central nervous system can appear immediately:
- feeling of lightheadedness;
- sharp pain in the stomach;
- loss of orientation in space, headache;
- dilated pupils;
- convulsive muscle contractions;
- paralysis.
The strongest effect is the poison of hemlock, which got inside the body when swallowed. It does not matter if the plant was fresh, dried or frozen - cicutoxin is destroyed only by the action of concentrated alkalis or acids. Symptoms of exposure to hemlock poison through the skin may not appear immediately, they are expressed by general weakness and heavy sweating. The specific smell of the plant is not poisonous, but it can cause dizziness from an excess of cumin aldehyde, which in large quantities contain hemlock leaves.
First aid
Immediately, as it became known about the possible poisoning with hemlock, you need to start treatment, washing the victim's stomach, and make a cleansing enema. The use of activated carbon and tannin in the treatment neutralizes some of the active substance of the milestone poisons. The action of toxins forces the patient to reflexively clench his teeth, making it difficult to provide first aid. After such events, it is necessary to as soon as possible take him to the hospital, where they can effective treatment.
Poisonous milestone in folk medicine
They are widely used in homeopathy and traditional medicine plant roots. It is known that the content of toxins there is especially high. You need to prepare for treatment with a milestone in a well-ventilated area so as not to breathe the poisonous vapors of the plant in the process. It is necessary to take precautions against getting hemlock ointment on the mucous membranes. After finishing work, wash your hands and face with soap and water.
From the stalks, leaves and flowers of poisonous hemlock, ground into powder, a tincture is prepared that helps in the treatment of meningitis, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and whooping cough. It is necessary to mix the poisonous grass milestone with vodka in a ratio of 1:50, leave the resulting mixture for a week, and then strain. For treatment, you should drink 1 drop with water before each meal. External use of the tincture (compress) soothes the inflamed lymph nodes, mammary glands.
In the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and gout, an ointment based on the poisonous milestone herb is used. It provides relief from chafing painful areas. The action of the drug is based on the mild narcotic and relaxing effect of cicutoxin on the body. To prepare the ointment, you need to mix 5 g of milestone herb powder with 500 g of melted pork fat, the resulting mixture should be insisted for 2 weeks.
Contraindications
The danger of poisoning is threatened by the independent use of drugs containing cicutoxin, if there is no experience in treating milestones. Such medical supplies lower blood pressure, therefore hemlock is used with caution in hypotensive patients. The property of cicutin to increase urination and sweating limits the treatment of patients with diseases of the kidneys and excretory system.
Side effects
Treatment with drugs including poisonous milestone, requires constant monitoring and monitoring of the patient's condition. In the process, there may be side effects requiring a reduction in the doses of drugs taken up to the complete cancellation of treatment. If the condition does not improve, you need to seek help from medical institution... During treatment, you may experience:
- breathing and heart rhythm disorders;
- headache, dizziness;
- increased salivation, abdominal pain, nausea;
- chills, decreased skin sensitivity.
Milestone poisonous cancer treatment
Cicuta has a rare antitumor cytostatic activity. The milestone is capable of stopping the multiplication of tumor cells, completely destroying them, affecting not only the foci of the disease, but also metastases. Treatment with cicutin is a more gentle effect on the body than chemotherapy drugs, since the use does not damage healthy tissues.
The drug Tsikutin of the Russian scientist Yakovlev, which is a 70% alcoholic extract of the milestone root, has been successfully used against cancer. Tsikuta is used at all stages of the disease, except for the fourth. A progressive treatment regimen is used: from a minimum dose of 1 ml to a maximum dose of 5 ml. There are 2 courses of admission with a two-week break.
Video
Poisonous milestone (another name is spotted hemlock) is a herbaceous plant widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. It is also popularly called hemlock. This plant is one of the most poisonous in nature. But, despite the fact that cicuta is toxic both fresh and dried, it is widely used in folk medicine. What is a poisonous milestone? Description of it useful properties and medicinal recipes read in this article.
Appearance and habitat
Cicuta is a tall plant, the length of which can reach 1.2 m. The rhizome is rounded with partitions inside, rather fleshy. The stem is branched, in length it can reach 60-120 cm.The flowers are white, small size united in a complex umbrella. The flowering period begins in June - August. The poisonous milestone plant bears fruit in August-September.
Tsikuta grows in swampy areas, along the shores of lakes and rivers. The plant is widespread in middle lane Russia, throughout the Siberian forest zone and partly in the polar-arctic. Tsikuta is also sometimes found in the Caucasus, Central Asia and North America.
Composition
The rhizomes and roots of hemlock contain cicutotoxin and cicutol - nitrogen-free toxic substances. Also found in their composition essential oils based on p-cymene and cumin aldehyde. The milestone leaves are loaded with alkaloids, flavonoids and polyacetylene elements. In all parts of the plant there is a poisonous element - cicutin. This substance is found in large quantities in the rhizome, which becomes especially toxic in early spring and late autumn. It is important to remember that the poison is not destroyed by the action high temperatures and is preserved even in a dried plant.
The action of the poison
Cicuta is a very poisonous plant. Cases of milestone cattle poisoning are common. Tsikutin is also dangerous for humans. After eating any part of the plant, in most cases, death occurs within a few hours. The first signs of intoxication of the body appear in the interval from several minutes to 2 hours.
Symptoms of cicutin poisoning:
- convulsions;
- strong salivation;
- dizziness;
- burning in the abdomen;
- vomit;
- dilated pupils;
- slowing down of heart rate;
- convulsions;
- paralysis of the muscles of the tongue.
First aid for poisoning
Hemlock poison can be neutralized with alkalis and concentrated acids. As an antidote, agents that induce a gag reflex, sour drinks, strong black coffee are used, mustard plasters are put on the back and shoulders.
When the first symptoms of poisoning appear, you must:
- rinse the stomach with a 0.1% solution of potassium permanganate (this will help stop the absorption of the poison into the blood);
- drink 10 tablets of activated carbon;
- make a high cleansing enema;
- it is possible to use saline laxatives (sodium sulfate and magnesium in a dosage of 30 g per 2 glasses of boiled water);
- drink an acidic drink (for example, jelly);
- if necessary, the victim is given artificial respiration.
Pharmacological properties
The pharmacological properties of this plant determine its chemical composition... Cicutin in small doses has a calming effect. At the same time, the poisonous elements of the milestone oppress the central nervous system, reduce blood pressure and physical activity. Also, tsikutin acts on the genitourinary system, reducing the flow of urine.
The use of hemlock in medicine
In folk medicine, all parts of the plant are used. Poisonous milestone herb is a part of medicines and is used in the treatment of:
- nervous disorders;
- epilepsy;
- mental disorders;
- headaches;
- seizures of the postpartum period;
- migraines;
- gout;
- angina pectoris.
Tinctures from the poisonous milestone are used for the treatment of bronchial asthma, stuttering, whooping cough. This remedy also has an expectorant, sedative, anticonvulsant, analgesic, diaphoretic and narcotic effect.
Hemlock compresses are used for inflammation of the lymph nodes.
The leaves and root of the poisonous milestone are used to make ointments that help relieve back pain and arthritis symptoms.
The use of milestone poisonous in cancer treatment
Cicutin is a potent poison that can slow down the process of cell division (mitosis). This is why toxic milestone poisonous substances are used to treat cancer. Hemlock poison inhibits tumor growth, eliminates malignant formations and cells. The drugs, which include cicutin, block the process of cell multiplication at the initial stage - during metaphase, when the nucleus is just beginning to divide. That is why the use of the poisonous milestone is effective at any stage of the development of the disease. In addition, cicutin is able to eliminate metastases (secondary cancer cells). It is important to note that hemlock-based drugs have a more gentle effect on the body than any form of polychemotherapy. This is due to the fact that cicutin affects only malignant cells and does not affect healthy tissues. Treatment with milestone-based drugs helps to avoid recurrence of the disease.
Prescriptions for Cancer Treatment
Attention! Before taking tincture from milestone and other preparations based on it, you should consult your doctor.
An infusion of hemlock for the treatment of cancer is prepared as follows: take 10 g of powder from the rhizome of the milestone and fill it with 500 ml of vodka. Then the mixture should be infused for 14 days.
There are several schemes for taking such an infusion in the treatment of malignant tumors.
1. Preventive. Reception of the infusion begins with 1 drop, increasing the dose every day. For 20 days, use 20 drops. After that, the dose is reduced, and on day 40, 1 drop should be taken.
2. Therapeutic. Treatment begins with 2 drops, which must be drunk in the morning and evening. Every day the dose is increased by 1 drop. In the morning on the 11th day of taking the drug, 22 drops are consumed. After that, their number is reduced. In the evening, on day 20, the course of treatment ends.
Collection and procurement
In folk medicine, hemlock herb is most often used. It is saturated with poison (as well as roots and rhizomes), therefore, when harvesting all parts of the plant, you must be extremely careful. The herb is harvested during the flowering period. The roots and rhizomes are harvested in the fall, since in the spring the plant contains the largest amount of poison. It is necessary to dry hemlock in the shade, in cool, well-ventilated areas.
Collect poisonous milestones only with gloves, avoiding contact with the juice on the skin and eyes.
Medicinal recipes
Attention! Cicuta is a very poisonous plant, so its use is allowed only after consulting a doctor.
Tincture of poisonous milestone is prepared simply:
- Grind hemlock rhizome into powder and pour (1 teaspoon) 250 ml of boiling water over it, leave covered for 4 hours, and then strain. Drinking this infusion is necessary for 1 tsp. 4 times a day for the treatment of any form of hysteria and other nervous disorders.
- Take 1 tsp. pounded roots and herbs of hemlock, pour 250 ml of alcohol and leave for 17 days in a dark and well-ventilated place. Compresses with this infusion are effective in treating rheumatism, gout and skin rashes.
Hemlock ointment
- Grind the rhizome and hemlock grass into a powder, mix it (1 tsp) with melted pork fat (300 g) and place in a well-ventilated place for 10 days. This ointment is recommended for the treatment of gout, rheumatism, and skin rashes.
There are many names: cicuta, vyakha, cat's parsley, omezhnik, omega, water rabies, water hemlock, dog angelica, mudnik, gorigolov and pork louse.
This article will introduce a plant better known as cicuta. Photos, descriptions, toxic properties, places of growth - you can read about all this here.
There have been cases that people who do not know about poisonous properties of the given plant, were poisoned by it. This plant can be mistaken for an edible wild plant that can eat roots. You should stay away from him. Tsikuta can also be confused with angelica.
Just 200 grams of cicuta rhizome is enough to poison a cow to death, and 50 to 100 grams of this plant can kill a sheep.
According to one of the legends, Socrates was poisoned by the poison of this particular plant. But it is currently believed that a more likely version is the death of the philosopher after taking a drink based on the spotted hemlock.
general description
The poisonous milestone is a very plant.
Cicuta smells like celery or carrots (and the smell is deceiving), and has a thick root. It usually blooms in July-August.
The poisonous milestone can be easily distinguished from similar plants by its thick rhizome. Its root is divided into separate chambers by partitions. He is quite easily pulled out of the ground. The root, which is the most poisonous part of the plant, tastes sweetish. It resembles a radish or rutabaga. The highest concentration of poison in hemlock is observed in spring.
Botanical description
Tsikuta (see photo below) - herbaceous perennial growing up to 1-1.2 meters in height with its characteristic vertical fleshy rhizome white with numerous thin roots. A longitudinal section in the rhizome reveals a number of transverse cavities filled with a yellowish liquid. The latter is characteristic hallmark milestone.
The smooth and branched stem is hollow inside.
The upper large leaves are sharp-toothed twice, and the lower ones are three times pinnate and dissected, with pointed leaves.
White small flowers collected in double (compound) umbrellas with approximately 10-15 rays. An important difference from it is the absence of wrappers, but they are available with 8-12 leaves for each umbrella.
Cicuta is a small fruit plant. They consist of 2 hemispherical brown achenes. Each of them on the outside has 5 longitudinal wide ribs, and their inner sides are facing each other. They are lighter in color, with a wide dark stripe in the middle. The plant propagates by seeds.
Distribution, places of growth
Cicuta is a plant that loves wet wetlands. It can be located directly in the reservoir (near the coast), and it is also found in swamps. On dry meadows, poisonous milestones do not grow.
Distribution area in geographically wide: Eastern Europe, northern parts of Asia, Western Europe and North America. In Russia, it is distributed almost everywhere.
This plant develops faster than others in spring, therefore it stands out for its size against the general background, attracting large-horned animals.
The chemical composition of the plant, application
Cicuta is a plant containing the following substances: cicutotoxin (the most poisonous element in the resin of the root), which can paralyze respiration; tsicutin; essential oils, etc.
All parts of the plant are very dangerous, but its rhizome is especially poisonous.
In Russia, in folk medicine, rhizomes and roots of hemlock were used externally in the form of ointments and tinctures. They were used for rheumatism, skin diseases, gout. Also, the plant was important in homeopathy.
The seeds and root of hemlock contain hemlock oil, or cicutol. Cicutoxin and other poisonous substances of the plant are not destroyed either under the influence of high temperatures or during long-term storage. Even dried cicuta contains a dangerous poison.
The plant is used now in medicine. From leaves, stems, roots and flowers, a milestone is made quite effective medications used in treatment various diseases... In small doses, substances from the rhizome and roots have a calming effect, inhibiting the nervous system and motor activity. They lower blood pressure and have a diuretic effect.
Poisoning symptoms
Cicuta is a scary plant. Literally a couple of minutes after the poison enters the body, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps appear, followed by dizziness, gait becomes uncertain and even appears.In this case, the pupils dilate, convulsions and epileptiform seizures occur, which can result in paralysis and death.
To prevent the worst, you need to quickly and correctly provide first aid to the victim.
In conclusion about the actions in case of poisoning
The most important thing is to promptly wash the victim's stomach with a solution of activated carbon and tannin.
Then he should be urgently transported to a medical institution, where infusion therapy, hemosorption (blood purification) should be carried out. It is worth noting that therapeutic measures are difficult due to the fact that the victim's teeth are strongly compressed.
Everyone should definitely remember that cicuta is a very dangerous plant! And in order to avoid poisoning, you must remember the following:
- Do not eat the roots and leaves of suspicious inedible plants.
- Wash hands after touching suspicious flora.
- If there is no knowledge and experience, stay away from plants
Be sure to remember that it is not recommended to use drugs from the poison of a milestone on your own, without sufficient knowledge and experience!