What is the mysterious zombie poison?

The "mysterious zombie poison" is rooted in Haitian folklore, primarily involving a substance believed to induce a state of apparent death so profound it can fool physicians. Wade Davis discusses this in detail, referencing the case of Clarvius Narcisse, who was declared dead by physicians but later returned to his village, leading to investigations into the phenomenon.

Davis explains that the poison mentioned in various accounts, including the Haitian penal code, is potent enough to make someone appear dead yet allow them to eventually return to life undamaged. This poison had substantial implications for medical research if such a non-lethal, reversible death-like state could be scientifically harnessed 1.

To find this poison, Davis collaborated with a sorcerer. The ingredients, while shrouded in ritual and mysticism, were part of a greater cultural and spiritual context. Davis recounts the bizarre experience of transporting these ingredients, including human bones and a live toad, back to the United States, highlighting the unique challenges and cultural barriers associated with his research 2.