# The sickener (Russula emetica)

**Russula emetica**

**Known today as.** A bright red, brittle mushroom of wet pine woods.

Kind: Fungus  
Poisoning: Gastrointestinal irritants (https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/poisons/gastrointestinal)  
Toxic: yes

> **Caution.** Poisonous.

## What was it used for?

None, though its name is its use.

## What does modern science say?

A sharp-tasting emetic that causes vomiting and diarrhea; not dangerous to life in the healthy.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **unknown sesquiterpenes**: the burning taste

**Mechanism.** Irritant to the gut; the peppery taste that gives the name is the warning.

**Dose.** A meal brings an hour or two of vomiting.

**Standing.** None; eaten salted in Russia after boiling.

## What lore surrounds it?

Named for exactly what it does.

## Sources

- Phillips, R. (2006). *Mushrooms*.
- Phillips, R. (2006). *Mushrooms*.

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*The sickener.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-09-25. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/sickener

Historical description, not medical advice.