The hollyhock is a popular ornamental plant that is a welcome guest in the garden due to its upright growth and the arrangement of the flowers. Over the centuries, the hollyhocks have become more and more common in Central Europe and are often cultivated because of the bloom. Due to its popularity, parents and pet owners are increasingly wondering if mallow is poisonous to children and pets. The result will definitely surprise you.
hollyhocks
risk of confusion
First of all: No, hollyhocks are not poisonous and can be kept in the garden without any risk of possible poisoning. Hollyhocks (bot. Alcea) are a genus within the mallow family. It's not a real rose per se, it's only called that because of the shape of the flower. Real roses (bot. Rosa) are not poisonous and are even used in the kitchen.
The following "roses" are poisonous to humans and animals:
- peonies (bot. Paeonia)
- snow rose (bot. Helleborus niger)
Peonies, Paeonia
An advantage: peony, snow and hollyhocks are so different in terms of their morphological characteristics that they can be easily distinguished. There is a higher risk if wild hollyhocks are confused with the highly poisonous foxgloves (bot. Digitalis).
Snow rose, Christmas rose, Helleborus niger
The reasons for this are:
- growth habit
- flower colors
- arrangement of the flowers
Since both plants grow upright and the flowers grow around the main stem, overgrown plants in particular can confuse children or pets. For example, if you have hollyhocks in the garden and your children are used to picking them or putting them in their mouths, the thimbles can be life-threatening. Although the two genera differ significantly from each other, this confusion can occur, especially in the forest. Fortunately, hollyhocks are mostly found in gardens, parks and avenues and less as a wild plant. Be careful, however, as the flower colors are very similar.
ingredients
The hollyhocks, especially the common hollyhock (bot. Alcea rosea), have a variety of ingredients that are non-toxic to humans. As mentioned above, the hollyhock is not poisonous and can even be used for a variety of purposes. Before that, however, the individual ingredients should be examined more closely in order to get an overview of the hollyhock.
Hollyhock, Alcea rosea
malvidin
Malvidin is the main pigment of the plant and belongs to the anthocyanins. These substances are developed by a great many plants and provide the numerous colors in the red, blue and purple spectrum, which are found primarily in hollyhocks. Malvidin is a special dye that is also found in red wine and is responsible for the intensive colouring. The pH value of the plant determines which color is used. For example, red hollyhocks have a pH below 4.
mucilage
Mucilage is formed by numerous plants and other organisms and acts as a natural protection and water reservoir. The mucilage in the hollyhock is not toxic and is used in home medicine because it has a positive effect on humans. These are polysaccharides, certain carbohydrates. Above all, the mucous membranes benefit from the mucilage and ensure that they are no longer irritated and can relax.
tannic acid
These substances are defense mechanisms of plants, which are reflected in the bitter taste of the individual parts of the plant. They are known as tannins and determine, for example, the quality of a wine. Only a few animals like to eat these bitter substances and therefore the hollyhock can protect itself from predators. Tannins are the only substances in hollyhock that could have a slight unpleasant effect on the body. Bloating or an upset stomach can result, but only if very high amounts of the plant have been consumed. Therefore, children should not eat too many parts of the hollyhock plant.
Essential Oils
Essential oils provide the aroma and scent of the mallow family. These can have a very complicated composition and are responsible for the unmistakable smell of the hollyhocks. In addition, the essential oils together with the mucilage have a positive effect on health.
medicinal plant
effect as a medicinal plant
Since the hollyhock is not poisonous, it has been used in medicinal medicine for centuries. When properly prepared, the ingredients have positive effects on your body and can help with a variety of ailments. The entire plant, from the roots to the flowers, is used for this, which makes the hollyhocks an absolute highlight in your garden. It is mainly drunk as a tea and can even be used as a mouthwash in this way, for example if your mouth is inflamed.
Hollyhock, Alcea rosea
The other areas of application are:
- to cough
- loss of appetite
- Inflammation of the throat, throat, vocal cords, stomach, skin and intestines
- gripal infect
- bronchitis
- fever
- diarrhea
- works against ulcers
- effective against burns
- white flow and menstrual disorders
- eczema
- wounds
Even large amounts of tea, infusions or poultices with the plant are not toxic and can therefore be used without hesitation. Even baths with the infusion of the flowers can be implemented, which has a very good effect on the body. Washing is possible in the same way. Typically, hollyhocks are used as slime drugs because their slime, along with the essential oils, is soothing on the throat. In addition, the complexion can be improved afterwards if tea or compresses are used regularly. In addition to the health problems mentioned above, it also works in the following ways.
- softening
- diuretic
- antispasmodic
As a precaution, babies and small children should refrain from enjoying the plant parts of the hollyhock. This is purely a precautionary measure, because the individual parts of the plant pose a choking hazard due to their size. You can play with them, because even the roots pose no danger. The hollyhocks are therefore even good for your protégés to explore. Alcea are real all-rounders and can even be burned as incense. They exude a unique, exhilarating scent.
Tip: It is essential that you refrain from using or consuming the flowers and plant parts if aggressive chemical agents or even pesticides have been used to care for the ornamental plants. These are absorbed by the mallow plant and can possibly poison you and your children.
dog and cat
effect on animals
Pets and farm animals are also safe from hollyhock. The substances contained are non-toxic even for cats and small rodents. Even if your cat notoriously chews every plant in your garden, hollyhocks are not a problem at all. Of course, the cat should avoid the plant if you have used chemicals on the plants as described above, or if they are still in the ground . Then these substances could get into the organism of the animal and cause unrest. Hollyhocks are even suitable as a snack for rodents and rabbits. The leaves should be used here in particular.