Eat Devil's Helmet (How Nature Can Kill You #47)

The roots of various species of the genus ACONITUM look good enough to eat, as they seem to resemble wild radish. The leaves look like they would go well in a tossed salad. The problem is, eating very little of this plant Can Kill You! You will be alerted to your imminent death by the following symptoms: burning, tingling and numbness in the face, followed by vomiting and blurred vision. You will start sweating just before you convulse. Then the convulsions stop because you're paralyzed. You will remain conscious throughout this whole ordeal, which could last ten minutes or more. If somehow you manage to survive, you might recall a bit of "yellow-green vision" and a "ringing in the ears".

Folk medicinal use of Aconitum species is still practiced in some parts of Slovenia!