Hemlock water dropwort, a plant that ‘kills a person with smile’— know its deadly nature, uses and more

Hemlock water dropwort, also called ‘plant that kills with a smile’ is one of the most extraordinary plants found in the wild. It is a lethal plant that is found in the wetlands of Europe and Asia.

It possesses deadly nature and extreme potential of paralysing and even killing the person. But its deadly nature is not the only thing to ponder about as this plant causes no extraordinary death but in fact has the ritual of killing the person with a smile on their face. It would be a mistake to underestimate this nature’s unique wonder as its toxic traits have always been a subject to uniqueness. In this article we will discover its usage and venomous nature.

Hemlock water-dropwort plant and its horrifying history of poisoning Hemlock water-dropwort is a fascinating plant that is stunningly lethal. It grows in wild regions like Sardinia, and looks harmless at first look, but on the contrary it is extremely venomous. If by accident this plant is ingested, it can cause facial paralysis where a person’s features get contracted in such a way that looks like a smile. This bizarre reaction is not an ordinary happening but in reality it was a part of an ancient ritual that took place in Sardinia.

It was used to poison elderly individuals who were perceived as a burden to society. After the consumption of this poison, victims were met to face death by either brutally beating them or pushing them off from greater heights. So, while it may look innocent, the hemlock water-dropwort carries a dark and terrifying history beneath its beautiful facade.

Uses of Hemlock water-dropwort in medical field

Hemlock water-dropwort, while infamous for its lethal nature, has also been the target of research aimed at possible medicinal applications.

The toxic substances within the plant, which normally induce paralysis, might be used in the treatment of facial paralysis among other conditions.

Scientists, such as Dr. Mauro Ballero, have proposed that such toxins can be altered to produce muscle relaxation rather than contraction.This may offer a groundbreaking treatment for patients with muscle spasms or nerve injury. Although it has a historical record of poisoning in ancient times, researchers are looking into ways to utilize its chemical properties for therapeutic use, possibly opening up new avenues in neurology and muscle disorders.

Ref: Hemlock water dropwort, a plant that ‘kills a person with smile’— know its deadly nature, uses and more