Displaying 11 - 20 of 165 results for "plants"

True Stories for Springtime

In the woods or in the garden, nature can surprise the unprepared.

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Aconitum napellus (Monkshood): A Purple Poison

Aconitum napellus flowers look beautiful, but swallowing any part of the plant could be deadly.

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CBD Products: Are They Safe?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most studied compounds of the cannabis plant. CBD drew attention when it was shown to stop seizures in a group of patients with a form of epilepsy that does not respond to conventional therapies. Potential benefits of CBD might include anti-inflammatory, immune system, and anti-anxiety effects. A great deal more scientific investigation is needed.

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Keep Away From Spurge Sap

Euphorbia, also known as spurges, is a genus of over 2000 different flowering plants. These plants contain a milky white sap that can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, and mouth. If someone is exposed to spurge sap, it is important to decontaminate the exposed area.

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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 stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adults have eaten the roots, mistaking them for medicinal plants. Serious symptoms have subsequently occurred, including bloody vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and low blood pressure.

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Are Cocklebur Seeds Safe to Eat?

Cocklebur seeds might look and taste like sunflower seeds but they should never be eaten! The seeds can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, low blood sugar, seizures, and severe liver injury.

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Foxglove - Toxic to the Heart

Foxglove grows throughout the United States. It grows in the wild and is often cultivated for its beauty in private gardens. All parts of the plant are poisonous, possibly even deadly, if swallowed. 

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Is Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum) Toxic?

All parts of the Spanish broom plant (Spartium junceum) are considered toxic. It can cause symptoms ranging from abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to more serious effects like seizures and respiratory failure.

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Why Do Onions Make You Cry?

Onions are pungent, contain plentiful nutrients, and have many potential health benefits. When cut or damaged, onions can cause eye irritation and tear production due to the formation of a sulfur-containing chemical (called “lachrymatory factor”).

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Hawthorn as an Herbal Remedy

Hawthorn has long been used in Chinese and Western medicine to treat various illnesses. The most studied use of hawthorn is for congestive heart failure (CHF). Its effectiveness for CHF and other conditions is limited, but so is its toxicity. However, it is always best to consult with your primary care provider and pharmacist before starting any herbal regimen to avoid any potential interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medications.

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