S3 Ep25: Venomous Medicine and Poison Plants

Naturally occurring plant poisons and animal toxins are defense mechanisms organisms develop as a way to protect themselves, but there is more to these substances than you might notice at first glance. While you probably don’t want to find yourself on the wrong end of a stinging nettle or scorpion,  poisonous plants and animal toxins have historically contained the key components for life-saving medicines. Listen as we explore what plants have been used across cultures to develop medicines from ancient times to the current day. And learn how animal toxins in stings and bites could help in the fight against chronic illnesses like cancer and autoimmune diseases.  TW* Fatal plants discussed Featuring Original Song “Smooth Robot (instrumental)” by Micaela Superstar References: Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (book)  Intoxication: Life in Pursuit of Artificial Paradise by Ronald Siegel Dr. Delirium & The Edgewood Experiments Lies Inc. By Philip K Dick 25 Poisonous Plants That Are Deadly and Dangerous Additions to Your Indoor or Outdoor Space The incredible tale of the foxglove, from curing to disease to inspiring Van Gogh’s most striking paintings Poisonous Plants - Dieffenbachia Seguine YELLOW DOCK Jimson Weed - Uses, Side Effects, and More Nerium Mistletoe poisoning Rhododendron poisoning Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe The Curious KISStory of Mistletoe Dieffenbachia: A Guide to the Dumb Cane Plant Oddities & Curiosities: The Colonial Case of the Mysterious Jimson Weed Yellow Dock Lily of the Valley — a tiny flower with a huge history Ricin: An Ancient Story for a Timeless Plant Toxin Rheum palmatum Giant Hogweed Poisoning Heracleum persicum (Persian hogweed) 7 Life-Saving Medicines That Come From Deadly Animals Cantharidin Revisited: A Blistering Defense of an Ancient Medicine Can Bee Venom Be Used as Anticancer Agent in Modern Medicine? Tarantula venom could be used as a potent pain reliever Poisons for Good