Tyler Balon

MS4 at The Ohio State University College of Medicine | Interested in Anesthesiology and Medical History

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

Want to learn more about the henbane-berserker theory? Much of the information in the thread was sourced from the link below:👇👇👇
https://t.co/REhc5Izh9X

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

What henbane does pharmacologically: its alkaloids block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors — anticholinergic effects. That means dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, decreased secretions, sometimes delirium, hallucinations, disorientation.

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

The henbane-berserker theory is fascinating - it blends botany, neurochemistry, folklore, and archaeology. Whether or not Vikings really chugged “berserker tea,” these plants remind us: warrior legends weren’t just about strength - but also about altered states of mind 😵‍💫#Vikings

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

Let’s talk about henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) - a toxic/psychoactive herb documented in Europe for centuries. It contains tropane alkaloids like Hyoscyamine and Scopolamine, which mess with your nervous system.

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

⚔️ Imagine a warrior charging barefoot into battle, teeth bared, shield rattling - not from armor, but rage. That was a berserker. Could their ferocity have come from a potent herb instead of just fury? 🍃 #History #Vikings #MedEd #MedicalHistory

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

Unfortunately, this story doesn't have a happy ending. Becoming mentally disturbed from years of chloroform abuse, Wells was jailed after throwing acid on prostitutes. After coming to terms with what he had done, he used chloroform one last time before taking his own life.

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

“Gentlemen, this is no Humbug.”
That famous line was dropped in the Ether Dome, but the story really begins with Horace Wells, the dentist who first tried surgical anesthesia. #MedEd #HistoryOfMedicine

[Tyler Balon @TylerBalon]

Referred to as the "gas wars," Wells continued to claim that he was the pioneer of anesthesia despite his public embarrassment and former partner Morton's success inside the Ether dome. He continued self-experimenting with ether and chloroform, ultimately becoming addicted. 😮‍💨