Hemlock poisoning is life-threatening.
Most famously, the ancient philosopher Socrates died after being forced to ingest poison hemlock.
If you come into contact with the plant, you must seek medical attention right away.
Elva Etienne / Getty Images
Elva Etienne / Getty Images
What Does Poison Hemlock Look Like?
Its often found in moist environments, such as fence lines, roadsides, creeks, and fields.
Its leaves are also not as lacey and fernlike.
Wild parsnip has edible roots and yellow flowers rather than white ones.
Is Hemlock Poisonous?
They contain toxic alkaloids, such as coniine and g-coniceine.
Hemlock Poisoning Symptoms
The symptoms of hemlock poisoning usually begin soon after contact with the plant.
What to Do If You Have Hemlock Poisoning
Unfortunately, there is no antidote for hemlock poisoning.
Treatment is focused primarily on relieving symptoms and offering supportive care.
Mowing or burning poison hemlock plants may not be effective, depending on their stage of growth.
verify to bag and dispose of all plant parts after removal.
Applying herbicide to poison hemlock may work to reduce your chance of exposure.
Its best to do this in the late autumn months, before the plants have grown much.
Whats the Outlook for Hemlock Poisoning?
Hemlock poisoning can become serious quickly.
If untreated, it can cause death in a matter of hours.
Its fatal due to complications like respiratory failure.
However, it can be effectively treated if you get help early enough.
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is in the aster family.
This herb grows to be about 8 feet tall and typically blooms from April to October.
Its often used in natural medicinal remedies and tinctures.
Touching or consuming the plant can result in fatal health complications, such as respiratory and kidney failure.
If you think you have come into contact with poison hemlock, seek emergency medical help immediately.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture.Poison hemlock.
U.S. Forest Service.Water hemlock.
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Poison.org.Poison control.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Field guide for managing poison hemlock in the Southwest.
U.S. Forest Service.Common yarrow.
