Are poke berries edible?

Answer 1

The pokeweeds, also known as poke, pokebush, pokeberry, pokeroot, polk salad, polk sallet, inkberry or ombú, comprise the genus Phytolacca, perennial plants native to North America, South America, East Asia and New Zealand. Pokeweed contains phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are poisonous to mammals. However, the berries are eaten by birds, which are not affected by the toxin because the small seeds with incredibly hard outer shells remain intact in the digestive system and are eliminated whole.
The eating of nonfatal quantities of poke, perhaps of the shoots, may cause retching or vomiting after two hours or more. These signs may be followed by dyspnea, perspiration, spasms, severe purging, prostration, tremors, watery diarrhea (often bloody) and, sometimes, convulsions. If a fatal quantity is eaten, perhaps including roots, the above signs are followed by paralysis of the respiratory organs and other narcotic effects, culminating in the death of the poisoned person.


Taken from wikipedia

Answer 2

Poke Berry Bush

Answer 3

I am not advising that anyone eat these berries, but when the arthritis flares up in my knees, I do take 3 berries, mash them in a medicine cup with a small amount of water and drink it in one swallow. Today was one of those days that my knees hurt so so badly. Had taken motrin earlier in the day. The pain was getting so bad it made me cry. Then I remembered the poke berries. About an hour later the pain from the arthritis was gone. This is not the first time I have used the berries for this reason. PLEASE NOTE: I am not recommending or suggesting that you ingest the berries as I did. I HAVE READ AND HEARD THAT THEY ARE POISONOUS.

Answer 4

Poke berries are definitely not edible. The only edible part of the poke plant is the young, new leaves that are gathered from the top of the young plants in the spring.

Answer 5

I have eaten Poke Sallet all my life and it is wonderful! Some people only cook the leaves but we always pick it when it first comes up and we get the stalk and the leaves and cook them. In a previous comment someone was eating the poke berries for their arthritis. I knew a couple of people who ate them for their arthritis. One lady who did this for years lived up in her nineties. I do think it has benefits but I think asking your doctor before trying would be best. Then again most of them want the kickback from prescription drugs so I don t know what they would tell you.

Answer 6

Poke berries are mildly poisonous; they have some medicinal uses, but on the whole, should not be eaten. They should definitely be kept away from young children and pets.

Answer 7

This might not be helpful, alright, it isn't, but I read in Dolly Parton's autobiography that her family would cook poke sallet.

I wouldn't advise eating the berries though, and they must taste terrible.

Answer 8

As for the pain in the knees, get replacements and live again.

Answer 9

By humans, no, unless you like living dangerously.
http://www.wssa.net/Weeds/HealthIssues/Poisonous/Pokeberry.htm

Answer 10

no no no NO!|!!!!!! dont eat them