Almost all households have plants indoors. Plants can be very beneficial to our health, but they can be extremely harmful to our children. A lot of plants are toxic. Find out which ones.
Having plants in the house can be beneficial to our health. They act as natural filter for toxins, carbon dioxide and purify our air. Keep in mind if you have children some of these plants are poisonous. After reading about the various poisonous plants you can decide if having them inside the house and out of reach is okay.
An Aloe Vera plant can be poisonous if the latex is ingested. The latex in it can cause purging of the large intestine. Aloe plants can be beneficial in treating burns and other minor dermatitis. If the aloe plant is going to be used make sure you cut away the skin and inner layer that produces yellow juice. Only use the gel.
Amaryllis is a bulb plant that many people use because of its wonderful winter bloom. The irritant in this plant can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The irritant is located in the bulb and a large quantity is needed to cause a reaction. Another plant whose bulb is poisonous is the Cyclamen. The bulbs are found underground and taste very bitter so it is unlikely that your child will eat them.
All parts of the Flamingo Lily are poisonous. This is a blooming plant. Although it is poisonous when ingested, ingestion does not typically occur because chewing on any part of this plant will cause painful irritation of the mouth and throat. You will know if a child has chewed on this plant if they have difficulty swallowing and they have blisters around the mouth. Another plant that may cause similar symptoms is the plant called Angel Wings. Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane can also cause irritations of the mouth but they also can cause speech impediments that can last for several days. Similar symptoms are caused by consuming this plant, Swiss-cheese Plant or Split-leaf Philodendron.
The beautiful Kaffir Lily is poisonous. A large amount has to be consumed to see any symptoms which include diarrhea, paralysis, vomiting and collapse. It is only the roots that are poisonous. So your child would have to chow through a lot of Kaffir Lily roots to show any of these symptoms. Chewing on the bark of a Croton will cause mouth irritations. The bark, roots and leaves are poisonous.
Angel's Trumpet has been known to affect cattle who have consumed it. It is a nicknamed "loco weed" because of that effect. Sometimes it is also called the Thorn Apple. All parts of this plant are poisonous. It will causes spastic movement, drowsiness, even a coma, hallucinations and elevated temperature.
A favorite Christmastime plant can be toxic. It is the Poinsettia. The Latex, leaves and stems are considered poisonous. It used to be classified as extremely toxic but has since been downgraded. Reactions in humans include nausea and vomiting.
English ivies are grown indoors and outdoors. The leaves are poisonous. If ingested symptoms could include breathing difficulty, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and a coma. The berries that it produces are very bitter so it is unlikely that children will consume them. Similar symptoms can develop if the leaves and buds of a Hydrangea are consumed.
The Devil's Backbone, sometimes called Mother-of-Thousands, is a plant to be very careful with. The adult plant has plantlets that grow along the leaf edges and can easily come off. Children can knock these off and have ready access to them. The poison has been known to be fatal to mice.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas have a low toxicity but it would be best to keep your children away from them. A Jerusalem-Cherry is a nursery plant that is brought home by consumers. The fruit and the leaves are poisonous. The name can be enticing enough for children to attempt consuming the leaves. It will cause abdominal pains and vomiting.
So keep all this information in mind when choosing plants. Some of these plants have low toxicity and may be used in the home with a close eye on your children.
Michael Russell
Your Independent Baby and Toddler guide.
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