Ergot
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| 1039 |
| The first-known European outbreak of "Holy Fire" afflicts Dauphiné, France, the burial place of Saint Anthony. Members of his holy order form a hospital and begin caring for the afflicted, and the ailment subsequently becomes known as "Saint Anthony's Fire". Following the introduction of rye into Europe, ergot epidemics become a periodic fact of life. |
| "These epidemics manifested themselves in two forms: those with nervous convulsions and epileptic symptoms; those with gangrene, mummification, atrophy, and occasional loss of extremities - noses, earlobes, fingers, toes, and feet. Delirium and hallucinations were common symptoms of the intoxication, which was frequently fatal. An early European visitation of ergotism described it as 'a great plague of swollen blisters [that] contaminated the people by a loathesome rot.' Abortions of women were general during these attacks. The 'Holy Fire' was always characterized by a feeling of burning in the feet and hands." [Schultes et al, 2001] |
| References Schultes RE, Hofmann A, Rätsch C. Plants of the Gods. Inner Traditions. 2001. |
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