It is hard to imagine that something as beautiful and innocent looking like a plant can be deadly. However, many plants out there contain toxic components that, if ingested by humans or animals, will cause serious health problems or even death. This blog post will briefly discuss some of the most dangerous plants you should never have in your home.
Poinsettia Plants
Poinsettia plants are beautiful red plants that can brighten up any room. However, they can be highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested, so you should never have them in your home during the holiday season.
The sap found in poinsettia leaves contains diterpene esters which cause all sorts of stomach problems, including nausea and vomiting, among other more serious issues such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or even death if eaten by humans or animals.
The leaves of these plants contain a glycoside called “Euphorbia Pulcherrima Lectin,” an irritant that causes burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue and nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Even though most cases of poinsettia ingestion do not result in death, it certainly does make for some very unpleasant hours or even days after consumption!
Lillies
Lilies are another extremely dangerous plant due to their toxicity levels being high enough to cause kidney damage leading to acute renal failure. These flowers may look like something out of paradise, but ingesting even a small amount of any part of the plant can be deadly.
The toxin that lilies contain is called “lycorine,” and it inhibits the production of new cells in the body, leading to serious health complications or death. So if you have lilies in your home, make sure to keep them away from both children and pets, as even a lick or two could land them in the hospital!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera plants are no exception to the rule. They contain a sap that is used for medicinal purposes and can be highly beneficial when applied topically to burns or other skin abrasions. But, ingesting this substance may cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and pain, as well as nausea, among other potential health issues.
This plant contains two chemicals that produce toxic effects in humans including “aloin,” which causes poisoning due to severe damage to liver cells resulting in jaundice (yellowing of the eyes) and vomiting and abdominal pain. Another chemical called “sennoside A & B” is in aloe vera leaves, which result in an irritation of the intestines, causing bloody stools, nausea, and vomiting. Aloe vera is an excellent plant for skincare due to its healing properties, but you should never ingest it.
Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb may be a delicious addition to pies and other sweet treats, but humans or animals should never consume the leaves as they are highly toxic. The leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalate crystals which can cause health problems if ingested. The leaves also contain a glycoside called “oxalic acid,” which, if ingested, can cause poisoning.
Symptoms of rhubarb toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, weakness, and coma. The oxalate crystals found in the leaves can also form stones in the kidneys leading to renal failure, so it is best to steer clear of this poisonous plant!
