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Just think how Uther would react if he learned that a serving boy had tried to poison his beloved ward.
Morgana about Merlin's poisoning attempt[src]

Hemlock is a poisonous plant that grows in Albion. Though highly toxic, it is occasionally used in medicine.

History

Merlin tricked Morgana into drinking a mixture of water and hemlock after he learned that she was the source of Morgause's sleeping enchantment. Within seconds of ingesting the poison, Morgana had difficulty breathing and slowly fell unconscious. She was ultimately saved by Morgause, who called off her invasion in return for the name of the poison that Merlin had used (The Fires of Idirsholas).

Hemlock was one of the herbs Gaius used to treat Uther's old battle wounds. The potion also contained valerian and nightshade and had to be taken daily (Love in the Time of Dragons).

Appearances

Series 2
The Fires of Idirsholas
Series 3
The Tears of Uther Pendragon: Part Two (Mentioned indirectly)
The Castle of Fyrien (Mentioned indirectly)
Love in the Time of Dragons (Mentioned only)

Trivia

  • Despite serious safety concerns, Hemlock is used in herbal medicine to treat breathing problems such as bronchitis, whooping cough, and asthma; and for painful conditions such as teething in children, swollen and painful joints, and cramps. It is also used for anxiety and mania.
  • Socrates, the Ancient Greek philosopher, chose to take an infusion of hemlock when he was prosecuted in a trial and sentenced to death.

See Also

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