How to distinguish between poisonous plants and mushrooms

Fans of forest trekking need to know the poisonous plants and fungi well and be able to distinguish them from their brethren, otherwise toxic and poisonous substances can lead to poisoning and even death. Among the herbs of forests and meadows, there are many poisonous plants that have increased resistance to adverse natural conditions. While fodder and ornamental grasses, for example, are in a depressed state due to a drought, poisonous plants outstrip them in growth.

Poisonous plants and mushrooms are shrouded in many myths and legends, a special mythical force is attributed to some poisonous plants. For example, the indigenous inhabitants of New Guinea take poisonous Murab leaves before the battles, since the substance contained in them is capable of causing attacks of heroism, a person completely lacks a sense of fear. It is for these properties that the plant was nicknamed "a laughing death." Even more strange way of justice with the help of poisonous fruits is still used in Madagascar. The growing Tangin nut is capable of killing more than 20 people, but the indigenous population endowed it with the mythical search for a criminal. When solving any conflicts, the elder offers the accused to eat a piece of this fruit, if after that the guilty person remains alive - all charges are removed from him, if he dies - his guilt is confirmed.

Climatic conditions exert their influence on the accumulation of toxic substances in fungi and plants: the hotter the climate, the more diverse and dangerous the poisonous plants and fungi. In conditions of the Arctic and subarctic climate, poison is less in plants and mushrooms. Also, unevenly the poison accumulates in parts of plants: in some it is accumulated in the root, in others in stems, in the third - in fruits, seeds, inflorescences. The poison of plants splits very long, some plants, even dried for several years, do not lose their destructive power for a person.

Among the poisonous mushrooms, a special place is occupied by the fly agaric, which has pronounced signs - a red hat with white spots, but some of the poisonous and non-poisonous fungi are difficult to distinguish. For example, a pale toadstool can easily be confused with a russet, and a false inedible appellation with edible. Mushrooms in the category of edible-inedible are divided into 4 groups:

• Edible - they can be eaten;
• Conditionally edible - consumption in food is possible after soaking, certain heat treatment or drying;
• Inedible - for culinary purposes are not used because of low taste qualities (stiffness, unpleasant odor, taste);
• Poisonous - eating can lead to death.

Poisonous plants and mushrooms in contact with them Can affect the skin of a person: there will be redness, itching, blisters. Therefore, if you doubt the belonging of a plant to a certain class, it is better not to rip it off. If the contact of human skin with the poisonous juice of the plant could not be avoided, it is necessary to wash the affected area with soap and water.

Mushrooms and plants are especially dangerous for young children, who tend to any unfamiliar object, plant "pull in the mouth." Take advantage of a small tip: small children are very curious, and when you are asked the question: "What are the poisonous mushrooms?" Try to answer it as detailed as possible. Tell us about the fly agaric, pale toadstool, false paddock, mountain traveler - these are the types of mushrooms that pose a serious threat to humans. From poisonous plants it is necessary to note lily of the valley, celandine, castor oil, aconite, crow eye.

The first aid for poisoning is to free the stomach from poisonous contents and seek qualified medical help. After thorough washing of the stomach, it is necessary to take any medical preparation that has absorbing properties (coal, enterodesis and so on).