Toxin Types

Toxins are all around; some are hazardous, while others are a source of healing. Toxic buildup in the human body is a source of consternation for alternative medicine enthusiasts. Toxins are hazardous to the health and may even be fatal with overexposure. Some toxins are so dangerous that inhalation of a small amount can cause illness. However, small doses of certain venom has a powerful healing effect.

Agricultural Toxins

• Chemicals used to fertilize crops are absorbed by the soil and the plant itself. In large amounts these toxins have the potential to cause adverse health effects when consumed in food. While toxins in agriculture can have indirect effects on food, they have direct effects on the workers using them. Nicotine was once used as a fertilizer for fruits and vegetables; a toxic dose of the stuff will cause excessive vomiting. Various synthetic chemicals also produce adverse effects when inhaled or touched. Chemicals such as dinitro-ortho-cresol have been associated with the death of some agricultural workers.

Natural Toxins

• Some plant species excrete toxins as a means of protection against predators. Occasionally these toxins are hazardous to humans, either by consumption or touch. A plant may even develop toxins that are poisonous to some animals, while being completely safe to others. Certain species of algae secrete a toxin that has no effect on the shellfish that eat it, but is harmful to humans. Illness results when a person eats a shellfish that has consumed this algae.

  Amanitas are a species of mushroom that has fatal side effects. The mushroom resembles other morels that are safe to eat; this disguise makes it doubly dangerous. When in doubt, avoid parasol-shaped mushrooms with white gills.

Healing Toxins

• Toxins secreted from venomous snakes and insects are being studied as a healing agent in the treatment of disease. A study titles "Recombinant Toxins in the Treatment of Cancer," released in 1991 by I. Pasten and D. Fitzgerald, revealed the use of toxin combos in the treatment of cancerous tumors. Certain doses of toxin combos attack tumor cells without causing undue side effects or limiting the capability of other cancer treatments.

  As of 2011, venom extracted from frogs, snakes and insects has been used to treat breast cancer and chronic pain. A small amount of venom is added to pills that are taken orally. Research continues on the topic of venom used in pain-relieving drugs and chronic disease treatments.

Poisons

• Poisons have a notorious place in history. By the Renaissance, the art of poison making was well-studied and often utilized by members of noble families. The Borgia family of Italy are thought to be some of the most infamous poisoners in Renaissance Europe. A recipe made up of arsenic and phosphorous was purportedly used on many a Borgia enemy. But hard evidence condemning the Borgia is difficult to locate, so much of their history has been put down to legend.

  Ancient Greece also has a notable relationship with poisons. The condemnation of Socrates led to his self-execution with an overdose of hemlock, a poison that slowly paralyzes every organ until the heart has stopped.