Neurotoxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum is an important medical substance. It is so versatile, that it can be used as a lethal weapon and in modern medicine is even gaining its popularity in the aesthetic procedures. Although it was first recognized as early as 1793 in Germany, it was not until 1989 that surgeons found its beneficial usages in medicine. The so called »miracle poison« exists in eight different exotoxins (A,B,C1,C2,D,E,F,G) – the most potent being type A. All serotypes work by a similar mechanism in interfering with the neural transmission by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine – causing muscle paralysis. Botulinum toxin, or »botox«, takes about 24-72 hours to take effect and lasts nearly 8-12 weeks. Most common usages of botulinum toxin in medicine are to treat cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis, chronic migraine, bladder dysfunction, eye twitching, cross eyes, eyelid spasms, foot pain, stomach issues, cosmetic correction of wrinkles, etc... Although the current usage of botox is primarily medical, it can also cause a serious poisoning called botulism, in fact this is also how it was first isolated from poisoned food. Clostridium botulinum bacteria produces spores and thrives in conditions where there is no oxygen, therefore most common sources of poisoning are home-canned foods, contaminated soil, honey and corn syrup. In the times of world wars, a common infection was botulism entering open wounds, whereas now it is most commonly spread through ingestion of spore contaminated foods. Although most cases of botulism aren’t life threatening, especially in the modern times, sometimes recovery requires mechanical ventilation and weeks to months of time.