Medieval Ergotism: The Poison Grain's Deadly Legacy

Ergotism, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea infecting rye and other grains, was a devastating medieval affliction known as "St. Anthony's Fire." The disease manifested in two forms: gangrenous (causing limb loss) and convulsive (triggering hallucinations and seizures). The fungus produced toxic alkaloids chemically related to LSD, which contaminated bread, particularly affecting peasants who consumed darker rye bread, while the nobility ate less susceptible wheat. Outbreaks killed thousands, with a single epidemic in 944 CE claiming 40,000 lives in France. Scholars have linked ergotism to witch trials, as its neurological effects—hallucinations, crawling sensations, and seizures—mirrored descriptions of demonic possession. Though deadly historically, ergot alkaloids eventually led to medical breakthroughs, including treatments for migraines and postpartum hemorrhage, demonstrating how a natural toxin evolved from a silent killer to a valuable pharmaceutical resource.

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