Mushrooms

T oadstools are known to us all, along with the fact that they are poisonous. Not many of us are aware that toadstools are actually mushrooms and not a different type of plant. In fact, toadstool is often used as slang for poisonous mushroom. Though there are some tell-tale signs that indicate whether a mushroom is poisonous or not, they may well vary for different varieties. So it’s always a good idea to stay clear of unknown varieties of mushrooms. Some signs that may be indicative of its poisonous nature are that the mushroom should have a flat cap that is devoid of any bumps while gills should be pink or black in color since mushrooms with white gills have often been found to be poisonous. Also the gills should remain attached to the cap instead of the stalk if it is pulled off. However, it’s extremely important to understand that the above rules may not be applicable to each and every type of mushroom and that those mushrooms whose origin is unknown is best avoided.

Elderberry

E lderberry trees are large and quite attractive to look at. They produce thousands of tiny flowers that sport a nice soft aroma, all of which goes in the making of elderberry liqueur and soda. The flower is also eatable, and is prepared by first battering them followed by deep-frying. However, we need to be on our guard since the beauty is just not skin deep. In fact, some parts of the tree including the roots are extremely poisonous, enough to create severe stomach ailments. So, the next time you wish to include elderberry flowers in your menu, make sure that its just the flowers that you consume.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is one plant of whose potential we are perhaps yet to be fully aware of. Responsible for some of the finest tasting puddings, rhubarb can also be grown easily at home. The stem of this plant is eatable and tastes fantastic while the roots work great as a laxative and has been in use as a poop-softener for over 5000 years. However, there’s a twist to the story. For the leaves of rhubarb plants is known to contain a poison as well as a corrosive acid, which becomes all the more potent when mixed with water and soda.

Castor Oil

C astor oil is an integral constituent of many food items that we eat, including candies and chocolates. Apart from this, some people have developed a habit of consuming small amount of it on a daily basis, besides forcing it down on their unwilling children as well. However, what most of us are unaware of is that castor bean is deadly, and that just one bean is enough to kill a human, while for a horse, four of it will be required to bring upon it a similar fate. Fortunately, the castor oil marked for human consumption is prepared with enough care to ensure it is safe. It’s the chemical ricin that makes castor beans so destructive, and it is due to its extreme toxicity that workers engaged in collecting seeds have strict guidelines to follow so as to prevent accidental death.