12. Ergotism: The Dark Side of the Fungus
Though ergot’s chemistry gave rise to LSD, its effects were not always so enlightening. Historically, contaminated grain led to devastating outbreaks of ergotism, a poisoning marked by hallucinations, convulsions, and gangrene. These mysterious epidemics haunted medieval Europe, fueling legends of witchcraft and madness. The same alkaloids that inspired medical and psychedelic research also posed significant risks, underscoring the fine line between nature’s medicines and its hidden dangers.