Green false hellebore (Indian poke)
Veratrum viride
Photo credit: User:SB_Johnny
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: Deadly. All parts contain steroidal alkaloids; ingestion -> severe nausea/vomiting, profound bradycardia and hypotension, possible death. Frequently mistaken for edible plants (wild leek/ramps, gentian) causing poisonings.
Contraindications: Never ingest; all internal use.
Interactions: Dangerous additive cardiovascular effects.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Never ingest.
Evidence level
Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
external/ceremonial use described only — NEVER ingest · root/rhizome
Part used: root/rhizome
Traditional use: external and ceremonial/talismanic use ('from hair loss to madness'); roots to poison arrowheads and as insecticide; 'skookum root' ceremonial/protective use(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)
Proposed mechanism: steroidal alkaloids (veratrum alkaloids) — potent hypotensive/bradycardic
Dosage note (descriptive only): NO how-to
Reference only — not a dosage instruction
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Ethnobiology Letters 'Skookum Root'
- PMC9093517 (Veratrum viride toxicology)
- PubMed 2362117 (poisoning case)