One look towards the environment around you, and it’ll be safe to conclude one thing; poison is all around us. It’s even in the least expected places, such as natural plantations. The tricky part is that some plants and fruits look so similar. But their harvesting style and growth period may differ. One such thing happens with the marijuana families. One has to be careful when to harvest cannabis plants to enjoy their benefit. Also, don’t miss out on green Malay kratom powder effects whose health benefits are amazing when it comes to every aspect of it.
This fact makes it difficult to tell the healthy plants from the poisonous ones. On the bright side, knowledge is power and the only useful tool that prevents fatal accidents. Here are some and how to identify the edible ones from the poisonous ones.
- Sniff the Plant
Your sense of smell is essential since it alerts you on how poisonous or healthy a plant may be. The milky sap is a sign that’s easily visible and saves you from imminent danger. However, this may not be such an easy way of telling magic mushrooms and healthy mushrooms apart. Their smells and appearances are almost very similar and may take you deeper into confusion.
You’ll know for sure that a plant is detrimental to your general wellbeing when it smells like a dead body. Safer and edible plants always possess a natural smell that draws your senses. Be careful not to take a more in-depth sniff than your lungs can handle. Poisonous plants contain varying levels of poison, which take effect at different intervals. For instance, you may end up with a severe migraine after a single sniff.
In case you doubt how strong your sense of smell is, try these other methods:
- Pluck a piece of the plant and place it on your wrist or inner elbow. When you experience a burning sensation or itchiness, it’s poisonous.
- If it’s not harmful to your skin, take a bite and sample its taste. If it has a soapy feeling in your mouth or tastes exceptionally bitter, stay away from it.
- Make the plant come to contact with your lips and then wait for about 15 minutes. If you feel okay, the plant is as harmless as it can be.
https://unsplash.com/photos/nrGXXguqDEI
- Magic Mushrooms
This has to be one of the trickiest plants to come across. They tend to have the same appearance as the edible mushrooms we are used to. Edible mushrooms occur in different species, including the Chanterelles. One thing to be careful about is that this particular species shares an appearance with the jack-o’-lanterns. The latter is said to cause illness and must be avoided at all costs. Their distinctive feature is that they have gills while Chanterelles have none. Wood ear and Meadow mushrooms are declared safe to eat.
Magic mushrooms are scientifically referred to as Psilocybin mushrooms. Right from their tender age, there tend to be color changes that will give them away. Pay attention to the golden brown color, which is deeper in the shade than usual. As the mushrooms grow older, the golden brown color becomes lighter. Another distinctive feature to look out for is a spot that is dark brown and located at the center.
A look at edible mushrooms indicates that there aren’t such spots that make them stand out.
https://unsplash.com/photos/XO483Y8_VSQ
- Blackberries
Berries appear in many different colors but almost the same shapes and forms. To be on the safe side, only pay close attention to the berries you are used to. Anything unfamiliar may be poisonous and end up causing dreaded symptoms.
Raspberries and blackberries are some of the most popular types of berries that grow out in the wild. As much as they are so rare, white berries are not for human consumption. They contain toxic chemicals that will alter normal bodily functions in negative ways. Some of the effects of consuming poisonous berries include; dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. No matter how familiar we are with berries, they are never too safe to consume. Avoid picking them out in the field since they have poisonous look-alikes. Buy them at a local grocery store since they’ve undergone the necessary safety tests.
- Almonds
They exist in two categories; sweet and bitter. Both varieties contain a certain level of Cyanide, which is a naturally poisonous chemical. On the bright side, it’s easier to tell both types of almonds apart. Bitter almonds appear to be broader and shorter compared to their sweet counterparts. Studies have shown that bitter almonds also contain Amygdalin, whose toxic composition is said to inhibit the respiratory system.
Side effects of consuming bitter almonds include; dizziness, difficulty in breathing, weakness, and vertigo. Another way to differentiate the two is that the bitter almonds come from trees whose blossoms are of a pink hue. On the other hand, sweet almonds come from trees whose blossoms are white. Children are more vulnerable since they get easily drawn to the striking appearance of the almond tree.
They must never be left to roam the fields unsupervised lest they fall prey to their poisonous effects.
https://unsplash.com/photos/HQOA0LA91As
Final Thoughts
Hiking, camping, and general adventure trails out in nature’s territory are among the most daring activities. Here, you get exposed to edible plants that may rouse your hunger pangs. Consider all the characteristics listed and apply them during your nature walks. Stay safe and be keen on what you ingest while out in the wild.