Ivy is poisonous - for humans and animals!

Content

• Ivy is poisonous - for humans and animals!
• Ivy belongs to the poison plants in the garden
• Poisoning symptoms when eating the berries
• Even contact with ivy can be dangerous
• Ivy poisonous for children
• What you can do with poisoning with ivy
• Pets are also at risk
• Poisonous ivy also as a houseplant
• Toxic ivy in America
• Tips

Ivy can trigger allergic reactions in mere contact

Ivy is poisonous - for humans and animals!

Ivy belongs to the poison plants. The climbing plant contains substances that are toxic not only when consumed, but even on skin contact. A particularly poisonous ivy is the plant in its age, in which it forms flowers and fruits. Especially the fruits contain a lot of toxins and must not be eaten.

Next article Remove ivy permanently - tips and tricks

Ivy belongs to the poison plants in the garden

Ivy contains the poisonous substances hederin and saponins in all plant parts, but especially in the berries. When consumed or contact is just for children and animals a real risk of poisoning.

If you have children or pets, you should therefore refrain from planting ivy in the garden better. Also in the house you should rather not cultivate the climbing plant.

Poisoning symptoms when eating the berries

For adults, the berries of ivy do not pose such a great danger, because the fruits taste very unpleasant. Nonetheless, adults should not eat ivy in any form. Even two to three berries can lead to serious poisoning.

Poisoning by the fruits of ivy causes different symptoms. Especially stomach and intestinal complaints, burning in the throat, states of excitement and a fast pulse are noticeable. Strong poisoning can cause shock and respiratory arrest. In the worst case, the consumption of ivy berries leads to death.

Even contact with ivy can be dangerous

The leaves of the ivy are not quite as poisonous as the berries. Nevertheless, they also contain toxins that can lead to inflammation and pustules on the skin in sensitive individuals. Therefore, if you plant or cut ivy, you should always wear gloves.

When cutting the ivy banks, the smallest particles are created that you should not breathe. Allergy sufferers are especially at risk here, but even healthy people should not take in too many of these substances via breathing. If you need to cut or remove large quantities of ivy, wear a respirator as a precaution.

Clear away all the leftovers immediately and do not lie down. Then, animals in the garden can not poison themselves.

Ivy poisonous for children

For children, ivy poses a particular danger. If children eat a few leaves, this will not be life-threatening, but can then set a strong discomfort.

The berries, however, are so toxic that children can seriously poison themselves. Even the consumption of two to three berries can lead to shock states with an uncertain outcome.

If you suspect that your child has eaten ivy leaves or ivy fruits, you should seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms of poisoning by ivy are:

What you can do with poisoning with ivy

In case of suspicion or a sure poisoning by ivy do not hesitate long. See a doctor or hospital immediately for detoxification. First aid is provided by the poison emergency call centers, whose telephone numbers can be found on the internet.

Pets are also at risk

Pets can also poison themselves with ivy. Whether dog, cat, guinea pig, hamster or bird, even horses can die from poisoning with ivy. Interestingly, donkeys seem to have no problems with ivy ingredients.

The symptoms are similar to those in humans. The animals suffer from agitation, cramps, stomach and intestinal complaints and even shock.

In case of poisoning, contact a veterinarian who will take care of the dog, cat or rodent.

Poisonous ivy also as a houseplant

Whether you pull ivy in the garden or as a houseplant, it does not matter much in terms of toxicity. Although the plants in the room do not develop berries, the leaves and shoots also contain toxins.

If you want to keep ivy in the house or on the balcony and terrace, make sure that neither children nor animals can get near. Collect fallen leaves immediately to avoid the risk of poisoning.

Toxic ivy in America

Although the native ivy species are already very poisonous - with the American ivy, also known as poison ivy, the varieties represented in this country can not compete. Poison ivy has much higher concentrations of poison, so it is often fatal. Skin contact causes severe inflammation, reminiscent of burns.

Tips

In homeopathy and natural medicine, ivy has played a role since antiquity. Tea from the leaves is used in diseases such as bronchitis. In addition, ivy is used in the manufacture of shampoo and other personal care products.