Toxicity test routine.

[brownknees]

I was thinking on the solar still post & thought I'd post this as a usefull tip.
Here's a test series you can do to check wether an unknown food & water source is toxic.

Take a small (drop sized sample).

Test 1. Touch it to the inside of a wrist. Wait 15 minutes. If no effect felt go to test 2.

Test 2. Repeat test 1 on the inside of an upper arm, near the armpit. Repeat the 15 Min. wait for no effect.

Test 3. Touch to outside edge of a lip near corner of mouth. Repeat the 15 Min. wait for no effect.

Test4. Touch to tip of tongue. Repeat the 15 Min. wait for no effect.

Test 5. take a small sip. Wait 12 hours. if no effect then the source is probably safe to consume.

The assuimption here is that you are not desperate for water, just testing for further supplies from an unknown source.
:wink:

[mosbysmen]

here's something i got from a Y.A.S.T instructors course..

T.R.I.M

T-...if the plant contains thorns its considered non edible unless it is known to you such as blackberries,dew berries ect ect ..

R-... red if the plants leaves or stems are red ,their acid contents are considered to high

I-... if the sap or juice from the plant is icky ,this plant is best left alone.

M-... if the plant contains a musky or repugnant odor do not consume this plant.