How to Distinguish Healthy Mushrooms from Poisonous Mushrooms: 4 Effective Methods and Treatments for Poisoning
Mushrooms are an important part of many people’s diets, thanks to their high nutritional value and delicious taste. However, there are also many dangerous poisonous mushrooms in nature, especially those that grow wild in forests. To ensure safety when consuming mushrooms, you need to know how to distinguish between healthy and poisonous mushrooms. Below are detailed instructions for identifying poisonous mushrooms and measures to deal with mushroom poisoning.
4 Ways to Distinguish Healthy and Poisonous Mushrooms
- Observe with the Eyes
One of the simple ways to distinguish between healthy and poisonous mushrooms is to observe the color and shape of the mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms are often brightly colored, with prominent spots of red, black, or white. Cracks on the stem and cap of the mushroom can also be a sign of poisonous mushrooms. In contrast, edible mushrooms are usually more plain in color, such as brown, gray, or white.
2. Smell With Your Nose
The smell of a mushroom is also an important factor in determining its toxicity. Poisonous mushrooms often have a pungent or bitter smell when you pick it. However, some poisonous mushrooms still have a slight aroma. Meanwhile, edible mushrooms often have a slight aroma or no odor.
3. Color Change Test
You can use a number of testing methods to check if a mushroom is poisonous or not:
- Method 1: Rub the white part of a green onion on the mushroom cap. If the green onion turns brownish-green, the mushroom may be poisonous.
- Method 2: Use a chopstick or silver spoon to poke the mushroom cap or stem. If the tool changes color, the mushroom may be poisonous.
- Method 3: Drop a little fresh milk on the mushroom cap. If the milk curdles, the mushroom may be poisonous.
4. Observing Mushroom Characteristics
Observing the characteristics of mushrooms can also help you distinguish between harmless and poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms often have white gills under the mushroom cap. Meanwhile, edible mushrooms often have brown or skin-colored gills. Poisonous mushrooms may also have a ring around the stem or under the mushroom cap.
How to Treat Mushroom Poisoning
Symptoms of Mushroom Poisoning
Mushroom poisoning can occur immediately after eating from 30 minutes to 2 hours, or later from 6 to 40 hours, depending on the type of mushroom. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea, severe abdominal pain
- Diarrhea, foul-smelling stools
- Vomiting blood, feeling cold, tired
- In severe cases: convulsions, coma
First Aid for Mushroom Poisoning
- Induce Vomiting: If the patient is still conscious and has eaten mushrooms within the first few hours, give them water and induce vomiting.
- Use Activated Charcoal: Take activated charcoal at a dose of 1g/kg of body weight and drink plenty of water, preferably ORS.
- Take to Medical Facility: Immediately take the patient to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment.
- Coma or Convulsions: Place the patient on his side. If the patient stops breathing, perform artificial respiration or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Prevent Mushroom Poisoning
To prevent mushroom poisoning, you should follow these measures:
- Avoid Colorful Mushrooms: Do not eat mushrooms with eye-catching colors or attractive aromas.
- Do not Eat Wild Mushrooms: Avoid eating wild mushrooms or mushrooms of unknown origin.
- Be Careful When Choosing Mushrooms: Pay attention to characteristics such as color, mushroom shell and rings around the mushroom.
In conclusion, distinguishing between safe and poisonous mushrooms can be difficult due to the diversity of mushrooms in the wild. To be safe, only eat mushrooms that have been clearly identified as edible and do your research before consuming. Wishing you safe and delicious meals!
