The vanilla flower (Heliotropium arborescens) is a popular ornamental plant in the garden bed or balcony box because of its beautiful purple flowers and the scent that gives it its name. Unfortunately, all components of the vanilla flower are toxic to humans and pets.

In a nutshell

  • contains highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids
  • can cause liver and heart damage
  • also carcinogenic and mutagenic
  • dangerous especially for children and animals
  • better use non-toxic balcony flowers

Vanilla flower contains toxins

The vanilla flower is poisonous because it contains large amounts of so-called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These are toxins that protect the plant from predators. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are highly toxic and develop their effect primarily in the liver, so they have a liver-damaging effect. They can also trigger the development of cancer cells and have a mutagenic effect. The main problem with pyrrolizidine alkaloids is therefore less short-term symptoms of poisoning, such as nausea or stomach cramps, but the development of chronic diseases, such as cancer or liver cirrhosis. The so-called veno-occlusive disease is also a possible consequence of poisoning with pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Notice: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are also found in many popular herbal teas (especially chamomile) and herbs (including oregano, mugwort) and can cause health problems if consumed frequently.

Children and pets at risk

Children, pets and livestock are particularly at risk from vanilla flower poisoning. Children are tempted to try the beautiful plant because of the vanilla-like, well-known scent - after all, they often associate vanilla with delicious sweets. However, poisoning with the plant can have serious effects, including liver or heart failure. What is particularly dangerous is that intoxication with pyrrolizidine alkaloids is often not recognized until late. Cats also like to nibble on plants and are therefore at risk. Furthermore, you should make sure that

  • horses
  • sheep
  • Cattle and other hoofed animals
  • small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs)
  • turtles

not reach the plants. These can suffer fatal poisoning from eating the plant. Basically, all components of the vanilla flower are highly toxic.

symptoms of poisoning

Typical symptoms of poisoning with pyrrolizidine alkaloids are initially unspecific as:

  • loss of appetite
  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain, nausea
  • tachycardia
  • rising blood pressure
  • circulatory problems

If you suspect the poisonous vanilla flower as the cause, you should immediately call the emergency doctor and tell them your suspicion. Acting quickly is important to avoid serious consequences, such as liver or heart damage, especially in small children.

frequently asked Questions

What first aid measures should be taken in case of poisoning?

Very important: Notify the emergency doctor or the poison control center immediately. Remove the poisonous plant remains of the vanilla flower from the mouth, but do not induce vomiting. Instead, give the poison victim plenty of plain water to drink, but no milk. Milk can bind the toxins and therefore keep them in the body longer, while water flushes them out. If possible, the person should elevate their legs and not be left alone if vomiting occurs.

Which popular balcony plants are also poisonous?

Many popular balcony and house plants are highly toxic. These include the popular dipladenia (Mandevilla), ivy (Hedera helix), the deadly poisonous angel's trumpet (Brugmansia), many nightshade plants such as the gentian tree (Lycianthes rantonnetii), popular spring flowers such as hyacinths (Hyacinthus), daffodils (Narcissus), tulips ( tulipa) or ball primroses (Primula denticulata) as well as lantana (Lantana camara), bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis), buttercups (Ranunculus asiaticus), petunias (Petunia), masculine (Lobelia erinus), liver balm (Ageratum houstonianum) and oleander (Nerium oleander) .

Which balcony flowers are non-toxic?

On the other hand, beautiful and popular species such as sage (Salvia), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and thyme (Thymus), which are available in many types and varieties, are completely safe for both children and animals. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), daisies (Leucanthemum), the perpetually blooming bluebells (Campanula) and the beautiful lady's eye (Coreopsis) are non-toxic and therefore harmless.

Category:

Indoor plants