Displaying 51 - 60 of 189 results for "poisonous plant"
Borax is a mineral-based compound that contains boron. It is commonly used as an industrial chemical, food preservative, and household cleaning product. Borax is not intended for human consumption, and may cause toxic effects when swallowed, inhaled, or applied to the skin. There is minimal evidence supporting the use of borax as an anti-inflammatory agent in humans.
Giant hogweed is the most well-known species of the genus Heracleum, a group of plants whose sap contains a chemical that can be very harmful if it touches the skin. Although the concentration of the toxic component can vary from plant to plant, it is best to avoid contact with any species in this group of plants to prevent potential injury!
Both Dieffenbachia and Philodendron are great houseplants for beginners. However, both plants contain oxalates which can cause swelling, drooling, and loss of speech if swallowed. Swelling, redness, and irritation can also occur if the skin or eyes are exposed. Dieffenbachia and Philodendron plants should be handled carefully and kept away from children and pets.
The California poppy (Echscholzia californica) has been used as an herbal product and can be purchased as as capsules, tablets, loose leaves for tea, and an extract. The plant contains several alkaloids which some believe can help with sleep, anxiety, and pain. However, there are no useful studies conducted in humans that support these claims.
Calla lilies are common household and garden plants, and are frequently ingested by curious children. Calla lilies release microscopic needle-like crystals, resulting in immediate burning, pain and irritation. Severe or life-threatening symptoms are rare.
Newer drugs of abuse are sending thousands of people to emergency rooms. They're called "fake pot", "fake weed", and "fake cocaine", but their effects are real and dangerous. Users cannot know exactly what they are getting when they buy and use these drugs. Some users of these drugs are ill for days and some have died.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause rashes if someone touches them. The rash is caused by oils in the plants. It may be severe enough to blister and itch for days or weeks. Most cases can be managed at home with household and OTC products. Severe cases require medical attention. If these plants are burned, inhaling the smoke can cause severe breathing problems.
Salvia is a hallucinogen that is legal to buy in some states. Teenagers have access to Salvia more easily than other drugs of abuse.
Amphibians—frogs, newts, toads, and salamanders—are equipped with defense mechanisms deserving of much caution. Some of the potent toxins they produce include digoxin, tryptamines, and tetrodotoxin. These can cause a variety of symptoms such as irregular heart rhythm, dizziness, cardiac arrest, and paralysis. Frogs and toads are also known to spread Salmonella to humans.
Medical marijuana is sometimes prescribed for patients with HIV/AIDS, seizure disorders, cancer, severe pain, and severe nausea. The active chemical is usually stronger than in the marijuana plant. There are no regulations for child-safe storage of medical marijuana products; young children have been seriously poisoned by swallowing medical marijuana.
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