Conium Maculatum

Poison Hemlock
 

Two species of biennials make up this genus, which occurs in northern temperate regions. Conium maculatum (hemlock) is one of the most poisonous plants in these regions and is rarely used today. White-flowered members of the parsley family are notoriously difficult to tell apart. Some self-seed freely, so they should no tbe grown near culinary herbs or where children have access. Hemlock contains alkaloids, chiefly coniine, which paralyze the respiratory nerves, so that the victim dies of suffocation before the heart stops beating. The medicinal uses of hemlock date back to the first century CE, when Dioscorides used it externally to treat herpes and erysipelas. Death by hemlock poisoning was the method of execution adopted in ancient Athens, its most famous victim being the philospher Socrates in 399BCE. Under Jewish law hemlock was also administered to criminals who were crucified or stoned to death, in order to deaden the pain. Coniine was the first alkaloid to be synthesized, in 1886.

Tall, fetid biennial with purple-spotted stems and finely-divided leaves, to 30cm (12in) long. Tiny white flowers are produced in umbels, to 5cm (2in) across, in summer, followed by tiny rounded fruits.

 

 

Common Name:
Poison Hemlock
Other Names:
Poison parsley
Botanical Name:
Conium maculatum
Genus:
Conium
Family:
Apiaceae
Native Location:
Europe, temperate Asia, naturalized n N America and Australia
Cultivation:
Damp, rich soil in sun or partial shade. Subject to statuatory control as a weed in some countries, notably in parts of Australia.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring.
Harvest:
Leaves are gathered in early summer, and the fruits slightly later, for industrial processing into ointments and oils.
Height:
1.5-3m (5-10ft)
Width:
1-1.2m (3-4ft)
Hardiness:
Z5-10
Parts Used:
Leaves, fruit (young foliage and unripe seeds have the highest alkaloid content.)
Properties:
A narcotic, sedative herb that relieves pain.
Medicinal Uses:
Formerly used internally for epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, mania, chorea, cramps, and asthma. Excess causes dilation of pupils, difficulty breathing, paralysis (especially in hind legs in animals), stupor, and death. Externally, usually in ointments or oils, for mastitis, malignant tumors (especially breast cancer), anal fissures, and hemorrhoids. In homeopathy for dizziness, anxiety and depression, and premenstrual tension. For use by qualified practitioners only.
Warning:
This herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.
All parts are extremely toxic if eaten. Skin irritant.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 177-178