Most Dangerous Wild Plants I've Eaten...and I survived

Four wild foods I ate that could potentially kill you. One of these wild foods is very common but too much of it can be deadly. Two of these wild foods can be eaten only if prepared properly. Another one is simply the most dangerous tree on the planet. Have you seen or experienced any of these plants?
Key moments:
00:00 Intro
00:09 Manchineel
02:42 Xanthosoma
04:50 Skunk cabbage
06:22 Prickly pear
My social media links:
Instagram @chadzuberofficial
Facebook @chadzuber

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!"

[@visitor6427]

Я ел семена дурмана белого, не понимаю что это. Будучи ребёнком, но я съел немного и всё что получил так это обделался

[@ranndomundead9112]

And this is why the skin test always wins. Knowledge is a far more useful tool than a perceived iron gut

[@TheSimpleIvan]

Like weed

[@Garjahn]

What doesn't kill you, makes you constipated...

[@jenreal360]

​@@Garjahn😅😅😂😂😂 or not hahahaha shitty pun intended.... sorry I'm a bit of a nerd.

[@aimfar7946]

This just proves how much of a chad Chad is

[@allonifrah3465]

You misspelled mor0n. Chad is a mor0n. Only mor0ns eat wild plants that they cannot identify.

[@RenanHonorato-fo8gn]

Como diabos tu comer veneno presta atenção

[@Tyler-789]

@@RenanHonorato-fo8gnNah, that’s just a Chad in its natural habitat.

[@pepepepito623]

The dudes survived after trying manzanita!wow!

[@tigurt11]

@@RenanHonorato-fo8gnnot all poison looks like poison

[@Zikofj]

Thanks for the shotout brother . I remember feeling so relieved after seeing you still standing on top of the hill . That was certainly a good learning opportunity for me as well . Great informative video .

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank YOU bro!

[@ravenrock541]

Chad, you just saved somebody with this vid. Thk you. Much respect for covering the cactus pear episode, most people couldn't have.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

The information in this video may help some avoid some pain and suffering.

[@bradlafferty]

Ooouch! Compaction is painful, to say nothing of burnt mouth and extreme nausea. You are lucky to have no permanent damage! Thanks for sharing these stories!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I have had a strong digestive system for a long time but they checked me for injury and all tests came back negative.

[@madmo1922]

Love hearing stories like this from your adventures. Thanks Chad!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I have so many stories.

[@user-jy5kd7is8k]

Thanks for sharing information❤❤

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

My pleasure 😊

[@KrawmKruach]

i grew up in the Sonoran desert, ate my fair share of prickly pear, had heard of something simmilar to what happened to you when i was a kid. even from the native tribes, they always said to eat pears with other things otherwise it could make you very sick....didnt know this was the reason. glad you made it bub.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Someone actually warned me online not to eat too many prickly pears or it could cause severe constipation but I didn't remember. I'm also a little skeptical when someone says not to do something because the same people may say not to go outside when it is cold and I just find it beneficial to go out in the cold.

[@artiomcybov]

I really like the fact that Chad is actually referencing and teaching instead of just showing off the skill.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Real life experience

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

Thank you for covering this topic. I think those who are going to do wild foraging should know what they are eating and the possible issues with the foods they find. Preparation of some plants is so important and if you don't know don't eat! I've never gotten sick but that's only because i knew the plants well that I have eaten. Those who wish to learn more about wild edibles should go with someone out in the field and learn from someone who has knowledge and experience, at least until you gain some information on how to identify plants and know if they have a poisonous look alike. Knowledge is valuable. Thank you for sharing.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, exactly right. I realize very well that I took risks. I understand the universal edibility test and have used it a few times but in most cases I'm hiking through a place and may not see a particular plant again. The first three cases happened far away from home and when I find something new I want to learn about it right away. Testing it right there on the spot is the fastest way to learn but also risky. I've had less serious effects from a few other wild plants too. I'm just so curious and I want to be more than just a theorist. You know what I mean?

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yes i do know what you mean. and I too have done the edibility test I learned it very young about 6 yrs old. I forgot i did it with goose berries when i was told they were poisonous about 9 years old and were for the birds. Later i learned what they were but already eaten enough to now they didn't make me sick. lol Your knowledge is why you go those extra steps. same as when you leach the acorns if we didn't do that we would get sick from them. I've had some tell me to reduce the bitterness of dandelion leaves to bring to a boil for a minute or 2 and dump the water and then cook and eat. it's supposed to get rid of the bitterness. Being i prefer their roots and make my own roasted dandelion root tea, I've not really eaten the leaves. I much prefer wild spinach aka lambs quarters.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

@@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN I eat raw dandelion leaves on occasion. I don't enjoy them. They certainly are bitter. In most cases I have always eaten edible foods in moderation. There have been many times that commercially available foods like beans and potatoes have caused me an upset stomach. I tend to avoid those now or just eat a very small amount. Combinations of foods also have an effect.

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yes i agree some foods wild or tame can cause issues. Maybe try the boil and toss the water off the dandelion greens see if it removes the bitter taste I'm not fond of them because they are bitter. and i love the roasted roots and drink it more like a tea and like it better then coffee.

[@jacobstowe5049]

Thanks for being real,authentic and truthful with us chad.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You’re welcome 👍

[@philiplahm2420]

The one and only..the pioneer..the original survival youtuber ChadZuber.

[@jonstfrancis]

Good message Chad, I remember the prickly pear seeds! Skunk Cabbage looks like an Aroid, ugh those are generally poisonous(?), we have one in England that looks a bit like that called Adders' meat because of the toxin in it. I once ate some wild peas I'd never seen before because well peas are good but then later heard that there are actually poisonous peas in the wild!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

There are foods that aren't ideal and are more of an emergency survival food. Skunk cabbage is one of those.

[@paullevy9824]

When i was i kid, i eat one of those flowers just for curiosity, leason learned, never again. Your mouth hurts, and you washed over and over, and do not get's out, i took me like 2 or 3 days to clean that awfull sensation in the mouth.

[@visitor6427]

Опунция ещё никогда не была такой опасной. Случись это где-то в пустыне, это был бы печальный конец

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

К сожалению, я совершил большую ошибку с опунцией.

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Phew! Glad you are OK Chad! Kudos for releasing this PSA episode!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Kids, don't do this!

[@CREDLACE]

Reminds me of a tip a Toxicologist said in one of those informative videos "if it's in the grocery store, it's safe to eat, be extremely careful when foraging the wilderness for food"

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Oh but not everything in the grocery store is safe to eat either. I once bought kidney beans in the grocery store and instead of cooking them I just soaked them in water for a day then I ate them. A few hours later I spent three hours with diarrhea and vomiting. Also, grocery stores are loaded with processed foods packed with synthetic chemicals and food additives that can eventually kill a person over time.

[@allonifrah3465]

​@@ChadZuberAdventures It's not the grocery store's fault that you have a blueberry sized brain. Everyone with an IQ over 20 knows that raw, uncooked kidney beans are poisonous. Grocery store products are not dangerous. Being a dumb baffoon is dangerous.

[@allonifrah3465]

​@@ChadZuberAdventures And no. It's not synthetic food colorants or other food additives that caused you to get sick either. Kidney beans just have natural toxins present in them. They grow that way. Cooking them is needed to denature(break down) those naturally occurring toxins. Don't blame food additives, when you don't know anything at all about the natural components of the things you eat. I bet one day you're going to buy a cassava root from a grocery store, try eating it raw, almost die and then blame the grocery store and SyNtHeTiC FoOd AdDiTiVeS. You're hilarious bro.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

It is good to know what you are eating, when foraging for wild plants, and wild edibles. You have to be 100% sure. Thanks for sharing this. Cheers, Chad! ✌️

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I've been willing to take risks. It's part of the learning process. Consider me your science project.

[@---115]

Sehr infomatives Video 👍🏻 vielen Dank. Bleibt GESUND💪🏻 und GLÜCKLICH 🍀

[@samisntreal3278]

Love this video format! It’s cooling getting to learn from your experience.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm glad you like it

[@joehardy1288]

Not being able to poop has got to be one of the most scary feelings a person can have

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

It is. It had me contemplating death. I was imagining a slow death alone on the mountain.

[@nopelindoputraperkasa5869]

Nice sharing video ..Very useful and informative ...Greeting from Indonesian traditional gold prospecting 🇮🇩😍💗🌼🙏👍👍

[@aries2121]

Please be safe out there 😿. Enjoyed watching ur vids ❤

[@armycats7664]

Thank you for such interesting and informative information!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You are welcome!

[@sheilam4964]

That is a great visual of the seeds in a compacted state in the intestine. I'm sure it helped someone understand why this state should be avoided at all costs given how painful it is and how many treatments and days it took to remedy the situation. All the rest of the plants you shared your experience with is just as valuable. Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm glad you found it educational.

[@anniestiles10]

Awesome video as always

[@catharinabellekom2013]

Hi Chad. I am glad that you are in good health. and thank you for this information. xx

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you!

[@no0btu63rscorner]

Love the trim, love the video!🤟

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

thanks!

[@user_o538ndq9]

Glad you survived, Chad Zuber.Thank you for your experience,will use it in my future primitive surviving!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks a lot

[@sivert5773]

Just wanted to say thanks for your videos chad! Defiently the best survival/primitive channel out there cheers😁

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

[@peterhoulihan9766]

Great episode. That was very interesting.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lindaseel9986]

Thank you so very much for warning us of these plants and your experiences. You could very well have saved someone's life. Be safe my friend and God bless you. 🙏🌸🏵️

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Some people are very curious. I'm one of them. If someone tells me that a plant is toxic and I shouldn't eat it then I want to know why. I want to know how toxic is it. Beans are toxic, tomatoes are toxic, alcohol is toxic but yet most people consume them. So by sharing my real life experience with these plants people can have a better idea of the reality.

[@quocat2384]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you

[@IvanIsYda_]

A type of Wild Xanthosoma is found here in the tropics, and we have a superstition where we cant speak, sing, or do much else while peeling off the stems and cutting the roots. I later found out that this is so that when preparing the plant/root, we work faster and more efficiently otherwise our hand will start getting irritated from the sap if we take too long preparing them

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing this. I've read similar traditions about other edible plants too.

[@Michel-Limon]

Increíble, está clase de videos también son muy buenos, felicidades!!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias!

[@kundikishore]

Thanks for sharing very valuable information 🙏

[@aquie4d999]

Great information, thank you

[@Dinkum_Aussie]

Sound advice, thanks Chad 😎👍

[@Justice_The_Nutritionist]

I was also curious when you ate that thing but you are good now that's great.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Oh yeah, I'm feeling great now.

[@kayvong6397]

wow..your videos are so informative. Thankyou so much..

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I hope you enjoyed it

[@outdoors-university]

Thank you for you valuable information. Stay safe and have fun.

[@rehenhawksmusic]

very cool watch, thanks for sharing !!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidescobarmartinez509]

Que buen video y gran información amigo! 🙌🏽🍃

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias David!

[@adriel1478]

Amazing video as always Chad! I'm glad you and your friend survived eating a manchineel fruit. That's definitely an interesting story! I didn't know elephant ear yam plants were full of oxalates, and my family and I eat them as we are latin american, maybe we have higher counts of those oxalate digesting bacteria compared to the average American. Also! I had heard about the skunk cabbage plants being edible, but I never learned that they had to be boiled for a long time in several changes of water, fascinating! Yet again, another great watch from your channel

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks! I believe the oxalate levels vary greatly among the different species of the genera xanthosoma, alocasia and colocasia (elephant ear). In Mexico someone told me that one species is edible and the other is not. I still have to do more research to learn to differentiate which ones are lower in oxalates.

[@TaLeng2023]

​@@ChadZuberAdventuresColocasia species are eaten in Asia and Polynesia. They just vary in oxalate levels and some cultivars have more than others.

[@julioargentinogalean]

muchas gracias por la información sera muy útil

[@paulsmith1411]

It Great You Share this knowledge ...

[@fldallyb]

Great video!

[@jenreal360]

This is a great video thank you.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@rowenacatapangvlog7700]

Thanks for Sharing the information..☺️

[@DuxLindy]

hoping for more story content, really enjoyed this one

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

There will be more

[@codystartin999.]

Awesome video need more like this on psyhedelic plants you've had

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I’ve never used psychedelics

[@BattleBrickState]

Funny enough, in Vietnam, we eat the Xanthosoma plant. It's in the Bún Dọc Mùng dish we have. Of course we prepare it carefully by stripping the skin 1st, then leave it salt water for a while before we cook. Sometimes people prepare it not thoroughly and it gives you a slight itch in the tongue.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for sharing this. My friend from Vietnam also prepares it.

[@PharmacistMohammad]

very informative. thank you

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you

[@hero7mad857]

I appreciate this thanks 🙏

[@estherfan4021]

Thank you very much, very helpful and important

[@Daniel_Plastiak_Crazy_Adventur]

Wow. Thanks for this video

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks for watching.

[@Squirty___]

Wild plants on the lookout for Chad Zuber rn

[@user-tk1nv7po2q]

That is vital information, Thank You.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mustafa-ay]

Be carefull man! Thanks for sharing

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you, I will

[@Wulfseal]

Certainly more danger in the wild dealing with unfamiliar foods but I learn the hard way that you can eat too many walnuts. Thanks for sharing true knowledge about our world.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, the same with other nuts too.

[@saltypete3549]

Wow! That's a sneaky seed danger... Thanks for sharing that and thank god you're ok!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yep, I never thought about the seeds being a problem

[@sziklamester1244]

Actually these experiences and advices helps people to avoid these things. I am glad you shared these and glad you survived.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah, if people pay attention then they could benefit from this information.

[@sziklamester1244]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Hopefully, when I was like 7-8 years old I accidentally touched a shroom which spores got into my nose and eye and irritated. I do not remember the name of it but it was an experience what I would not want again. For this specific reason (among with many) I am avoiding to harvesting mushrooms even if I know few already. Where I live there are not so much exotic plants you shown in this video but there are poisonous plants which can kill you fast if you eat their seeds or some of their parts. for just some example : Cicuta virosa Datura stramonium Heracleum mantegazzianum Aristolochia clematitis Laburnum alpinum There are more but that's just not youtube viable to put a lot. In Europe there are also a lot of fancy stuff what you first may see edible then it results a lot of pain or death.

[@Ricardo-nayabis]

Bro literally a Chad

[@Domaupperrank2]

KZbin has blessed me with a great Recommendation Immediately Subscribed

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I’m glad you like it 👍

[@joeljack1]

Very informative.

[@Timmyjg2004]

It's cool that you have footage

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I wish I had more footage. I do a lot of experiments and I don't record them. I do experiments to learn and then maybe make a video in the future. But I had enough footage to show and tell the story.

[@ruynava]

Me encantan tus videos!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias!

[@volofant]

Therapist: 2018 Chad Zuber is in the past. He won't hurt you. 2018 Chad Zuber:

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Hahhahaaa

[@fernando.qguanchelisa6496]

Brilliant information, graet video. Made me laugh with the prickly pear story... he, he, . Mi grandmother used to say "no comas muchos que te tupes..." ha, ha. "don´t eat that many that will constipate you". Were many of those delicious fruit where I came from. Thank you

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

"Se te van a tapar". Almost my last words heard. Hahhahaa.

[@radfaryousefi9491]

Thanks 👍

[@moixdollASMR]

i'm sorry you had to experience that and i'm glad you're doing ok

[@attilapolyak9112]

Jobbulást! Nem szabad minden bogyót megenni!

[@IO-zz2xy]

Wow amazing you talking about prickly pears. Had ONE last week for the first time in about 15 years. Here in South Africa they have ALWAYS been associated with bad constipation.

[@Andreashikencamphk]

Glad to hear you are OK. Please take care.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I try

[@teddy5236]

Here in Florida I dug up an elephant ear before boiled a piece about 4 inches in length for 40 minutes changing the water 3 times, ate it, and my throat was in pain for hours.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Wow! I wonder how much it must be cooked to make it safe. Apparently the oxalate content varies a lot among different species.

[@teddy5236]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yeah it’s extremely acidic here in Florida so its almost inedible, somebody actually wrote a whole blog on trying to eat florida ones each time being very bad, you’re definitely right about at least 80 minutes of cooking

[@froginthewaves8450]

AWESOME VIDEO!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you!

[@Dvulikiy_zloy]

Horror..... You need to be careful with what you try to eat. And usually they teach you not to eat what you are not 100% sure of, and even 100% if you are sure, you need to be careful

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Don't eat raw kidney beans either. Many years ago I did and spent three hours with diarrhea and vomiting.

[@leonisantos5776]

🩷🩷🩷✨️🩷🩷🩷 CHAD É SAÚDE TOTAL que ALEGRIA. 🩷🩷🩷✨️🩷🩷🩷

[@coolissimo69]

I always try fruits etc, now will be more aware. Glad you well brother.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah, just think about it before eating.

[@mrlondon963]

You're like a big toddler, trying out everything. 😆

[@asttel5357]

Very interesting video, i see it to the end

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you very much

[@lucaandhisgenius1462]

thanks for sharing ! also did you intentionally chew the seeds or just swallow? Im wondering if chewing might have helped them now get so stuck ?

[@littlecat9132]

Thank u chad 🥰

[@HelicopterDown]

Wow, never actually heard of someone eating from the Manchineel tree, amazing story! Glad you both ended up okay.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yeah, I can’t wait to try it again 🤣 Just kidding!

[@user-gg8is9yh9q]

Damn bro. You're a badass. Love n respect from Portland Oregon 🤝🏻 -Robinhood

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks Robinhood!

[@emperortivurnis9161]

Ahhh that explains a lot about 2023! Glad you're alright my guy

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Let me tell you, 2023 was the year of failure for me. So many things just went bad. So much effort wasted. It was heart breaking in many ways but I think it made me stronger. I've come back with more determination than ever.

[@macbeavers6938]

Thanks for the advice. I must say you are the most articulate "cave man" I have ever come across. Look forward to more of your videos. I used to eat the prickly pear fruit at my old ranch in the Oklahoma panhandle, but the sugar content was so high that it caused me to become hypoglycemic. Be well.

[@DDeden]

Hyperglycemic? (High blood sugar)

[@macbeavers6938]

@@DDeden Exactly. I got most of the letters correct. Ha. Ha. Thank you.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Some prickly pears are quite sweet. Others are not. I've eaten about seven different species.

[@macbeavers6938]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Copy that Caveman. Adonai

[@StupidBlyat]

Oh dear, I'm never knew that you were hospitalized, Chad(busy at work lately). I'm glad you're okay.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

It happened last year but I fully recovered.

[@omerd5147]

Hi Chad. Your channel is very interesting! Ever ate Chinaberry berries?

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

No, I never heard of that fruit

[@vanya_seven]

Наверно самое болезненное ето третья история. Был когда-то такой опыт у моего отца, я запомнил ето надолго. Поздравляю вы по сути испытали похожие чувства на чувство рождения ребенка.

[@trustablerolin]

Thank you!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You're welcome

[@gabrielakazarking1238]

Hello chad.. good to have you back.. with your new hair style..

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you!

[@ram1brn]

Good advice

[@pedrofernandesdossantos817]

Ótimo conhecimento e aventuras

[@svalckx]

Plants that exude latex, or a milky sap, should be avoided unless you know exactly what you're eating. Another plant that contains the alkaloid hydrogen cyanide is chaya, aka spinach tree, which is endemic to Mexico. Not many locals eat it, but some do. It comes with a warning that it SHOULD NEVER BE COOKED IN ALUMINIUM. I am growing this tree in San Diego from cuttings given by a friend. Stay safe, amigo!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

La chaya! Chaya is known as one of the most nutritious terrestrial plants in the world. I've eaten it many times, usually in Yucatán. Do you know the "secret of the chaya"? Touching the leaves can cause a reaction like stinging nettles but if you politely and respectably ask permission to take a leaf from the tree then it won't sting you. Funny tradition but we tested in once and it worked. Let me know how that plant does in San Diego. Perhaps I could get a cutting from you in the future. Email me at [e-mail]

[@jocaalexandru6070]

thanks for info

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You're welcome

[@FrauWNiemand]

Glad you survived these plants. This is not harmless. Good to teach others.

[@bahamajim1998]

Thanks Chuck 😮

[@ByMMxd]

I like your videos Greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨👋✨

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Saludos!

[@xiaofeima7892]

非常宝贵的经验，谢谢你！

[@Tipi_Dan]

Wow, Chad--- I feel your pain. I watched your earlier videos about eating and processing prickly pear with great interest because I have done so. I had learned that the seeds were inedible, and you did not stress that. I was going to say something, but did not,. I wish I had. The finest cactus fruit are those of Echinocereus stramineus---- the strawberry pitaya. It is a small clustered barrel cactus found in the deep fastnesses of the Chihuahuas Desert. The fruit does not travel well because it autodeliquesces. The gel is purple with flavors of mango, pineapple,, kiwi, and strawberry. A flavor of the food of the gods. The tunas are good, and prolific, and worthy of attention, but they are pesky. Now that you had seen their dark side, I hope you get a chance to taste the strawberry pitaya on its own ground next summer. Budget for 2 gallons of water a day and walk like an Arab.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Hey, thanks! I knew that the seeds didn't break down in the human digestive system. They just pass through like many other things we eat, including insoluble fiber. I guess since I hadn't had any digestive issues I just didn't pay much attention to the prickly pear seeds. I've never seen the Echinocereus stramineus but the fruit sounds amazing. I would budget for 3 gallons of water a day while walking like an Arab.