Tag: Wild foraging risks

Historically, common tansy was used in small amounts as a flavoring agent and for medicinal purposes. Despite this history, eating common tansy is highly dangerous and toxic to humans due to the presence of thujone, a poisonous chemical.

While calamus root has a long and complex history in traditional medicine, the U.S. FDA banned its use as a food additive in 1968 due to concerns over a carcinogenic compound found in some varieties. This raises a critical question for foragers and herbal enthusiasts: **is the root of the calamus edible**?