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

The Coniine is extremely toxic and causes congenital deformities. A narcotic herb that sedates and relieves pain.

Medicinal Uses

Ointments or oils used externally In extremely small quantities, hemlock is a sedative and analgesic. In larger doses it causes paralysis and death.

Formally used Medicinal Uses


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.