Hemlock
Hemlock
Other Names:
Baroque
Julivertosa
,
Parsley Lobuno
,
Perejilón
,
Carrot
Monte.
The
hemlock
is widespread and should know how to distinguish it from other plants of the same botanical
family
- the Umbelíferas - to which resembles:
angelica
,
parsley
,
celery
,
carrot
and even the wild. There are
a
number of details that can help identify it:
The stems of
hemlock
has
in its bottom spots of
red
or
purple
.
The leaves are large and bright and are very divided.
The flowers are white and are grouped into mixed umbels of 10 to 20 radios.
The fruit is oval, about 3 millimeters of greenish -
brown
color and is crossed by folds.
All the plant off an unpleasant smell of urine.
HABITAT:
grows spontaneously throughout Europe and
America
. It abounds in
a
cool and wet, on the banks of rivers and on the edges of roads.
Description:
herbaceous plant that reaches 30 to 150 cms. tall, of the
family
of Umbelíferas. Its stem is hollow and finely striated.
Used parts:
the fruits.
Properties and indications:
all parts of the plant, especially fruits, contain several alkaloids (coniína, coniceína, conhidrina and pseudoconhidrina) plus an
essential
oil glycosides and flavonoids and coumarin. The coniína is the most important asset of
hemlock
, which is present in
a
ratio of 2% in fruits, and 0. 5% in the leaves. It is absorbed both orally or through the skin, by penetrating with ease. The alkaloids are
herbal
substances alkaline reaction. Its molecules are complex, and are made up of
carbon
, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen. Its pharmacological effects are very marked, and with small doses already produced toxic effects.
A
therapeutic doses, the coniína and other alkaloids of
hemlock
provide
a
strong sedative action, local anesthetic and analgesic. The
hemlock
has
been used successfully to calm:
Intractable pain, such as those produced by
cancer
.
Persistent pain, such as those produced by the nerve.
Today, whilst we have other strong analgesics and insurance, also can be used,
but
always under control optional, and faithfully respecting the dosage, to avoid toxic effects.
Use:
Powdered: nuts of
hemlock
are crushed into
a
powder that dissolves in water, the maximum tolerable dose for adults is of 1 gram of fruit daily, distributed in 4 shots of 0. 25 grams
each
.
For external use, is used in ointment which is prepared with 1 gram of crushed fruits per 9 fatty solvent. It is used as
a
local anesthetic in case of severe pain and neuralgia. Keep in mind that the coniína absorbed through the skin.
Hemlock
poisoning: the coniína is similar in its chemical structure and its effects, another alkaloid: nicotine, found in the snuff. Both alkaloids act on the vegetative
nervous
system
, excited and depressed after the first. From half to two hours after eating
a
toxic dose of coniína, is burning in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, nausea, dilated and weakness in the legs. If the dose is more
muscular
paralysis occurs (such as that produced by curare) and
respiratory
arrest and death by asphyxiation. Nevertheless, the awareness is not lost, and maintaining mental clarity until the last minute. That is why the Greeks chose this method to remove the lives of those sentenced to
capital
punishment.
Treatment of poisoning:
as is suspected to have ingested
poison
hemlock
, it should induce vomiting, and if possible, move quickly to
a
stomach
wash. Administer purgatives and charcoal. Give artificial respiration mouth to mouth, if the intoxicated having trouble breathing. It is necessary to proceed with the urgent relocation of intoxicated at
a
hospital.
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