Hemlock
Family: Umbelliferae
Hemlock is a very poisonous plant that has a long history
of medicinal use, though it is very rarely used in modern herbalism. It is a
narcotic plant that sedates and relieves pain. The plant contains coniine, an
extremely toxic substance that can also cause congenital defects. The whole
plant is analgesic, antispasmodic, emetic, galactofuge and sedative. It is a
traditional folk treatment for cancer and was formerly widely used internally
in very small doses to treat a variety of complaints including tumors,
epilepsy, whooping cough, rabies and as an antidote to strychnine poisoning.
It is still used externally, usually in ointments and
oils, in the treatment of mastitis, malignant tumours (especially breast cancer) anal fissure and haemorrhoids. The leaves and stems should be harvested
when the first fruits are forming, since they are then at their most active
medicinally. The fruits are gathered either when fully ripe, or before they
turn from green to yellow, and are then dried. Because of the extremely toxic
nature of this herb, it is seldom employed nowadays. Use with extreme caution
and only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. See also the notes
above on toxicity. A homeopathic remedy is prepared from a tincture of the
fresh plant, harvested when in flower. It is used for treating complaints such
as dizziness, coughs, insomnia, exhaustion, arteriosclerosis and prostate problems.
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