Can I eat white snakeroot?
Quick Answer
No
White snakeroot contains a toxic alcohol known as tremetol. If ingested by humans, it can cause severe poisoning and even death.
What Is It?
White snakeroot is a poisonous perennial herb native to North America. It contains a toxic compound called tremetol.
Historical Context
White snakeroot was responsible for what was known as ‘milk sickness’ in the early 19th century, a serious condition that killed many settlers in the Midwest of the United States.
How to Tell
Symptoms of white snakeroot poisoning include loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, abdominal discomfort, reddened tongue, abnormal acidity of the blood, and death.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting white snakeroot poses serious health risks due to its toxic compound, tremetol.
- Severe poisoning
- Liver damage
- Death