Conium Maculatum
( Hemlock, member of the Umbelliferae/Apiceae family )
Medicinal Preparation
All parts of this plant are extremely toxic and no formulations should be attempted by
unqualified practioners.
Parts Used
Leaves, seeds (young foliage and unripe seeds have the highest alkaloid content).
Active properties
- Alkaloids
- Coniine
- Volatile oil
The Coniine is extremely toxic and causes congenital deformities. A narcotic herb that sedates
and relieves pain.
Medicinal Uses
Ointments or oils used externally
- Mastitis
- Malignant tumors (especially breast cancer)
- Anal fissure
- Hemorrhoids
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Premenstrual tension
In extremely small quantities, hemlock is a sedative and analgesic. In larger doses it causes
paralysis and death.
Formally used Medicinal Uses
- Epilepsy
- Mania
- Chorea
- Cramps
- Asthma
Other
Hemlock is notorious as the poison used as a capital punishment in ancient Greece. The Greek
philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death and died in 399 BC after drinking hemlock juice.