Poison Hemlock (English text on print)

Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum, has a dark history, perhaps best known as the plant thought to have been used to execute Socrates.

The whole plant is highly poisonous, but the toxicity is concentrated mainly in immature seeds and leaves, and is also highly dependent on the growing site. Specimens grown in a dark and cool place are particularly poisonous, while plants grown in a warm and sunny place can be almost harmless. 

As a medicinal plant, poison hemlock has been used as a pain reliever and as a nerve sedative. Its extracts have historically been used to treat cramps, rheumatism and other ailments. Cosmetically, poison hemlock has been used to make beauty products, particularly to whiten skin.

The herb contains several toxic compounds, including coniine, which is a potent neurotoxin. The poison paralyzes the respiratory muscles and the victim dies of asphyxiation. Throughout the process, the victim is fully conscious. There is no known antidote.