See also article: Ergotism & Salem, A Witch in the Rye

ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE

Ergot (Claviceps purpea) is a fungus that affects rye and sometimes other grains. Ergot contains lysergic acid, the active principle of the psychedelic drug LSD.

In Medieval times outbreaks of St. Anthony's Fire were common in countries where populations subsisted on rye bread. St. Anthony's Fire is a toxic condition whose symptoms include hallucinations, disorientation, muscle cramps, convulsions, miscarriages, and gangrene and may result in death. It affects both humans and animals.

Some beneficial drugs are also provided by ergot, used to treat migraines, to induce labor and to control uterine bleeding.
 

 

FoodReference.com Logo

You are here > Home > FOOD TRIVIA & FACTS

Next

Also see: Food Articles and Cooking Tips

 

FOOD TRIVIA and FOOD FACTS

Please feel free to link to any pages of FoodReference.com from your website.
For permission to use any of this content please E-mail: james@foodreference.com
All contents are copyright © 1990 - 2024 James T. Ehler and www.FoodReference.com unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved.  You may copy and use portions of this website for non-commercial, personal use only.
Any other use of these materials without prior written authorization is not very nice and violates the copyright.
Please take the time to request permission.


 

 

Home   |   Articles   |   FOOD TRIVIA   |   Today in Food History   |   Food Timeline   |   Recipes   |   Cooking_Tips   |   Food_Videos   |   Food Quotes   |   Who’s Who   |   Culinary Schools & Tours   |   Food_Trivia_Quizzes   |   Food Poems   |   Free_Magazines   |   Food Festivals & Events

Philodendron Leaf

 

FoodReference.com (since 1999)

FOOD TRIVIA and FOOD FACTS SECTION