Cicuta virosa vs Birch Polypore

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cicuta virosa

Antimicrobial

Fomitopsis betulina

Antimicrobial

Cicuta virosa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Birch Polypore

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European wetland Apiaceae among most poisonous plants; included for toxicological awareness and identification.

Bracket fungus of birch trees with evidence of use since Otzi the Iceman 5300 years ago as an antimicrobial and wound-healing herb.

Active Compounds

cicutoxin, cicutol, falcarinol

piptamine, agaric acid, polyporenic acids, betulinic acid, terpenoids

Traditional Uses

WARNING - highly toxic - no medicinal use, Fatal if confused with other plants

Wound healing in ancient European tradition (Otzi finds), Antimicrobial and antiparasitic, Digestive conditions, Fatigue and adaptogenic use

Modern Uses

Toxicological research only

Antimicrobial, Antiparasitic, Wound healing, Immunomodulatory

Adult Dosage

LETHAL PLANT - NEVER USE

Dried mushroom tea 2 cups daily; 500mg-1g extract daily

Contraindications

LETHAL - entire plant toxic, All conditions - deadly poison

Autoimmune conditions, Pregnancy in medicinal doses

Side Effects

Death from convulsive seizures

Mild digestive upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E