Poke root (Phytolacca americana)

Tier 4 — risky / avoid · Emetic · Organ damage · Blood disorders

Sometimes promoted for immune stimulation. Contains toxic phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin causing violent vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dangerous hypotension, and haemolytic anaemia. All plant parts become increasingly toxic with maturity. Young shoots are edible only after repeated boiling to remove toxins.

Dose: AVOID — causes hemolytic anemia, organ damage, and potentially fatal hypotension