[[File:Clavicepspurpurea.jpg|thumb|260px|left|Claviceps purpurea]]Other Names: Claviceps purpurea, Cockspur Rye, Cornezuelo, Ergot de Seigle, Hornseed, Mai Jiao, Mother of Rye, Secale Cornutum, Smut Rye, Spurred Rye, Purpurbrauner Mutterkornpilz, Moederkoorn, 맥각균<br>Ergot or ergot fungi refers to a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps.The most prominent member of this group is Claviceps purpurea ("rye ergot fungus"). This fungus grows on rye and related plants, and produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume grains contaminated with its fruiting structure.<br>See also : [[Secale Cornutum]] (Homeopathy)
==Special Precautions of Ergot==
* Ergot Ergotism is UNSAFEthe name for sometimes severe pathological syndromes affecting humans or other animals that have ingested plant material containing ergot alkaloid, such as ergot-contaminated grains. There The common name for ergotism is a high risk "St. Anthony's Fire".* The neurotropic activities of poisoningthe ergot alkaloids may also cause hallucinations and attendant irrational behaviour, convulsions, and it can be fataleven death. Early * Other symptoms of poisoning include strong uterine contractions, nausea, seizures, high fever, vomiting, loss of muscle pain strength and weakness, numbness, itching, and rapid or slow heartbeat. Ergot poisoning can progress to gangrene, vision problems, confusion, spasms, convulsions, unconsciousness, and death.
*It is UNSAFE for anyone to use ergot, but some people have extra reasons not to use it:
*Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use ergot. Ergot has many effects that can be harmful during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Don’t use it.
* [[Vasoconstrictor]] : Ergot contains chemicals that can help reduce bleeding by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels.
* Despite serious safety concerns, ergot has been used as medicine. Women use it to treat excessive bleeding during menstrual periods, at the start of menopause, and before and after miscarriage.
* To improve muscle contractions.
* They also use ergot after childbirth to expel the placenta and contract the uterus.
== References ==
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]