Part 4

=Poisonous Parts=: The leaves, flowering parts, and resinous secretions contain the Cannabis (=cannabinol=) narcotic principles. Publicity over the illegal use of marihuana in its various forms, i.e., cigarettes, extracts, pills, etc., make it a curiosity among some people. It causes cerebral stimulation and excessive amounts produce hallucinations, delirium, and eventually mental depression. It is a plant which can cause drug addiction.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians treat for cerebral depression and other aspects of marihuana poisoning.

JIMSON WEED

Datura stramonium and Datura tatula--SOLANACEAE]

=Description=: An annual herb, 3 to 4 feet in height, branching stems with trumpet-shaped white flowers or thorny fruits formed in forks of the branches. Leaves pointed and with irregular margins. Datura tatula has purple stems. Both have spiny or prickly fruits which turn brown when ripe and spill out several small brownish-black, kidney-shaped seeds. These are also poisonous.

=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and seeds which contain alkaloids (=atropine=, =hyoscyamine=, =scopolamine=, etc.) similar to those of the deadly nightshade. (See page 8.) Poisoning causes drying of the mouth, dilation of eye pupils, a very rapid heartbeat, and central-nervous-system depression. Poisoning can be experienced merely by handling the leaves. Children sometimes ingest the poisonous seeds or rub the eyes after touching the leaves and are then poisoned.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Hands should be washed with soap and water if in contact with the plant. Physicians treat for =atropine= poisoning.

NOTE: There are other species and varieties of Datura which contain similar poisonous principles although in lesser amounts. These are sometimes grown in gardens and greenhouses as ornamentals and are frequently called angel’s trumpet. They include Datura innoxia, Datura metel, D. metaloides, D. arborea, D. sanguinia, etc. Most have large trumpet-like, white or pinkish-white flowers and some reach small tree height. Observe same precautions as for jimson weed.

LARKSPUR

Delphinium ajacis--RANUNCULACEAE]

=Description=: The cultivated larkspurs found in New England are annuals or perennials found in many gardens and produce showy blossoms with many colors (usually white and violet-purple) growing on erect flower stalks. Leaves are divided into parts and have the general outline of a bird’s foot. The small seeds which form in dry follicles are usually pointed and very irregular in shape. The plant varies in height from 2 to 4 feet.

=Poisonous Parts=: Leaves and seeds contain toxic alkaloids which when ingested may affect the nervous system. Tingling sensations of the mouth may at first be experienced followed by excitation and severe depression. Animals poisoned by wild larkspurs growing on western ranges stagger and appear to develop symptoms of tetany. Powdered larkspur seed is also found in some commercial lice remedies.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for alkaloid (=ajacine=) poisoning and central nervous system excitation using short-acting barbiturates because of subsequent depression.

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY

Convallaria majalis--LILIACEAE]

=Description=: A perennial, low-growing herb found in many gardens. Its attractive small, white, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are fragrant and used in bouquets. They blossom in spring and summer. Several of these are found on one side of a slender flowering stalk. Leaves have parallel vein markings. The fruits appear in late summer and early fall and are attractive red to orange-red fleshy berries.

=Poisonous Parts=: Roots, leaves, and fruits contain harmful principles, particularly the glycoside =convallatoxin= which stimulates the heart muscles similarly to the poisonous principles of the =foxglove=, =digitalis=. Dizziness and vomiting may occur in 1 to 2 hours if large quantities are eaten.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians should look for symptoms of digitalis poisoning.

MONKSHOOD

Aconitum napellus--RANUNCULACEAE]

=Description=: There are numerous garden varieties of the monkshood and it is widely cultivated. It is a perennial herb reaching a height of about 3 to 4 feet with many divided leaves (like a crow’s foot). Several violet-blue flowers form on a flowering stalk somewhat like the delphinium or larkspur, but they are more frequently branched. Each flower resembles the cap or hood of a medieval monk, hence its common name. The seeds are tiny and form in dry capsules called follicles.

=Poisonous Parts=: Roots and seeds are most poisonous although the leaves may be harmful if eaten. The plant contains several poisonous alkaloids, chiefly =aconitine=, which affects the vital vagus nerve from the brain causing a slowing of the heart. Other effects of poisoning include tingling and numbing sensations of the lips and tongue, irregular pulse, dimness of vision, and respiratory failure.

=Antidote=: Call your doctor. The victim should be kept warm, because of the possibility of circulatory collapse, and placed in a horizontal position with the feet level with the head. Physicians treat for =aconitine= alkaloid poisoning. Gastric lavage is preferred to the use of vomiting agents. Circulatory stimulants may be necessary.

POISON HEMLOCK

Conium maculatum--UMBELLIFERAE]

=Description=: A biennial weed with leaves resembling those of parsley, dark green, finely divided, with shiny under surfaces. The plant is found in gardens, fields, and along roadsides, and reaches up to 5 feet, or more, in height. Roots resemble those of the parsnip. When crushed, both fresh leaves and roots yield a juice with a characteristic odor of the parsnip. Occasional purplish spots are found on the hollow stems.

The very small white flowers and grayish-green fruits are borne on umbrella-like stalks. The tiny fruits upon close examination have flattened inner surfaces. They also look somewhat like fruits of the anise, Pimpinella anisum.

=Poisonous Parts=: The leaves and fruits during flowering contain an intensely poisonous principle, =coniine=, and other related alkaloids. Older roots are also poisonous. Hemlock poisoning first causes a burning sensation in the mouth and throat followed by muscular weakness, stupor, and paralysis of the arms and chest. Poisonous principles act on the spinal cord and brain causing respiratory failure and death.