Over the course of time cells evolve to meet the needs of survival and existing in a world that seems to not currently make space for it. Flora and fauna of the Earth are great examples of witnessing Earth's capacity for alchemy, as we know they evolved over time with defensive mechanisms like thorns and poisons, as well as sweet nectar, all to ensure their place here and survive.
But their intentions for survival are not necessarily "selfish," quite the opposite in fact. I like to think that it's to ensure their medicine survives for the benefit of others. The delicate ecosystem requires all forms of life for balance and efficacy, and defensive mechanisms are really a form of refinement that ensure balance.
This is where we begin to notice poison is one of nature's forms of genius that ensure life. Perhaps most specifically the life of the plant itself, of course, not always ensuring all forms of life. Author Daniel Schulke lovingly describes the effect that poison actually has in our lives. He mentions that we when we work with poison, we harness the power of Nature itself, which "bears the trappings of the miraculous." We even use poison, or more specifically toxic chemicals derived from poisonous plants, to kill cancerous cells. Examples include but are not limited to, Mistletoe, Foxglove, and the Yew tree.
They say the fine line between medicine and poison is the dose, and so really moderation is the medicine. The mythic quality and texture of the rich history of poisons and medicine (or poison as medicine) is one that perhaps I will try to tackle at another time. But for today, it's more important to invite you into what this means in an age when information is at our fingertips and the world seems more accessible to us then ever before. In a society where capitalism and consumerism is so ingrained in us that the boundary between Nature that is for us vs. Nature that is not for us almost doesn't exist, that my invitation is that Nature regardless deserves respect and boundaries.
This is especially true for poisonous plants, who often have a very delicate and specific requirement for remediation in that surrounding ecosystem. The poisonous plant acts as a protective barrier for self healing, in regards to soil health, disease of surrounding plant life, pest invasion, etc. Poison Ivy is an excellent example of an environment that is sick and needs space from human involvement during the recuperation process. These plants evolved to ensure life, and that demands consideration and noticing.
poison ivy
It's important to remember that thorns and poisons are Nature's ways of communicating boundaries, and we expect someone to respect our personal boundaries, correct? But if they are telling us to keep away from them does that mean we can never work with them as medicine? Perhaps in due time, we may be shown a way in, or may be surprised if we ask them permission to develop an energetic relationship with them. Maybe, just maybe, these plants that most cringe from and trample on are craving to to be seen and heard too.
What can one learn from a relationship with poison for healing? They show us how to learn from the darkness, helping us tap into ancient memories we thought were lost and forgotten of our resilience and our courage. By dwelling in the darkness, they guide us by offering us night vision in the depths of ourselves, witnessing our pain, transforming our fears, and whatever essential parts of us we've disconnected from or chosen to disown because it's was acceptable to someone else. They remind us of the complexity of life, and that we are multidimensional. They remind us of what it means to be human.
We can actually work with poisonous plants very safely by way of flower essences. Flower essence practitioners that work with these types of plants should be providing education around essences and inform you of how they are made. Always make sure you make an essence with poisonous, toxic, or at risk plants, using the INDIRECT Method, which means no part of the physical plant touches the water that you would be ingesting later. One simply places a bowl of water near by the plant to capture that energetic and spiritual qualities of it. This step comes only after you asked permission from the plant. If you get an intuitive "No," simply acknowledge that it's not medicine you need right now. Or that plant doesn't have the energy to gift at this time.
When we work with poisonous plants by way of flower essences we are giving ourselves permission to investigate more deeply buried material that we've been carrying around like dead weight.
These plants help us to:
1. recognize what our internalized patterns are
2. over time shift our response to these patterns
3. and then transform our relationship to these parts of ourselves that ultimately limit us feeling like our true self
This is honestly true of flower essences in general, but personally what I find most valuable about these plants of a darker nature is that they guide us to the parts that we have to confront in order to heal. They help us do the tough work, as well as transform what is poisoning us into something that now can give us life. Quite liberating indeed.
Amanita muscaria
This has been a post based on personal reflection and personal experience. The information offered here is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any physical ailments, but for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare practitioner first.
References
Daniel Schulke, Veneficium. Three Hands Press, 2018.