Displaying 121 - 130 of 189 results for "poisonous plant"

Swallowing Eye Drops is Dangerous!

Over-the-counter eyedrops and decongestant sprays are frequently used to treat upper respiratory congestion and irritated, red eyes. When consumed by mouth, they may result in serious toxicity and even death.

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Valerian Benefits and Risks

Valerian is an herbal dietary supplement sold over-the-counter (OTC) for its sedative and calming effects. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated; however, scientific evidence showing its effectiveness is inconclusive.

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Can Menthol Have Harmful Effects?

Natural products such as peppermint oil have many components. Menthol is the most abundant compound found in peppermint oil. Menthol can cause superficial irritation in small amounts and severe systemic symptoms in large amounts.

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Pokeberries: A Grape Look Alike

Pokeberries are found in grape-like clusters on tall perennials with purple-red stems. Eating several berries can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adults have eaten the roots, mistaking them for medicinal plants. Serious gastrointestinal problems have occurred, including bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and low blood pressure.

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Marijuana: Risks and Effects

Marijuana is the most common illicit drug in the US. A few states have decriminalized small amounts of the drug. Some permit medical uses. Marijuana is usually smoked. Effects include altered mood, impaired coordination, and impaired judgment. More severe effects sometimes occur. There is no antidote; treatment is supportive. The drug is sometimes addictive.

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Is Alkaline Water Good For You?

Alkaline water has a high pH and contains electrolytes and minerals, and can be produced naturally or through a chemical reaction. Some people believe that drinking alkaline water can reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and other medical conditions, but there is little published data to support these claims. 

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Is It Safe to Make Soap at Home?

Soapmaking is a popular home activity, but potentially hazardous chemicals are often involved. Use of pre-made soap bases, or “melt and pour” products, is a safer way to make homemade soap.

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Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes

There are many possible causes of food poisoning: bacteria, viruses, pesticides, natural toxins, molds, parasites, and more. There are so many types of food poisoning that there are many possible symptoms. Food poisoning is especially dangerous for infants, young children, elderly people, and those with chronic health conditions or weak immune systems.

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Introduction to the Opioid Epidemic

Opioids are powerful drugs that can relieve pain but also impair breathing, leading to brain injury and death in overdose. The rising number of deaths involving opioids is referred to as the opioid epidemic. People are dying in numbers that exceed the death toll seen during the peak of the AIDS epidemic. Listen to our podcast, Poison!, to learn more.

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Food Poisoning from Fish: Ciguatera

Ciguatera poisoning is caused by eating fish that have themselves eaten fish contaminated with a toxin called ciguatoxin. Ciguatoxin cannot be detected by taste or appearance or prevented by cooking or freezing the fish. Treatment is available, but symptoms can last for months or years.

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