Holly, mistletoe, poinsettia: these Christmas plants dangerous to your health – In the news

2023-12-22 14:53:13

December 22, 2023

They are the stars of the holiday season and yet they can make us sick. As Christmas approaches, ANSES is warning of the risks of poisoning linked to three decorative plants very popular at this time: holly, mistletoe and poinsettia, also called “Christmas star”.

Holly

Holly (They are aqueducts) is a shrub found in many European hedges and forests. With its multi-spiked green leaves and red berries, it is a symbol of Christmas, used to decorate festive tables, cakes and Christmas wreaths. The problem ? Its little red balls, which look like candy, are toxic. “Each year, Poison Control Centers receive between 60 and 80 calls for children under 15 years old who have accidentally put holly berries in your mouth, notes Anses. Nearly 40% of cases occur during the end-of-year holidays between December and January.”

When it is only one or two berries put in the mouth, the problems remain minor: digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. “On the other hand, ingesting a larger number of berries can generate more pronounced symptoms such as significant salivation, vomiting and persistent diarrhea, even drowsiness or convulsions.”

Note that these berries are toxic to pets. The symptoms are also digestive, even neurological, with a risk of coma.

The mistletoe

We make wreaths or suspensions from them. The mistletoe (Viscus album) has also established itself in homes for the end of year celebrations. With its white berries that appear in winter, mistletoe does not have roots but feeds on the sap of the trees it parasitizes. Kissing under a ball of mistletoe, nicknamed “kissing plant”, is a tradition that continues at New Year.

“If ingested, its leaves are more toxic than its berries, which are white in color, explains ANSES. Poison Control Centers receive around forty calls per year concerning children under 15 who have put leaves or berries in their mouths, between November and January for three-quarters of them. » Ingestion of a small amount will not cause symptoms or minor digestive symptoms. However, cardiac (heart rhythm disturbances, drop in blood pressure) and neurological problems may occur if larger quantities are ingested. Be careful, mistletoe leaves and berries are particularly toxic, sometimes fatal, for animals, cats and dogs but also cows, horses and sheep.

The poinsettia

The poinsettia (euphorbia pulcherrima) is also called “Christmas star”. With its bright red leaves at the end of the year, it is a very popular decorative plant at Christmas. If ingested, it may cause minor digestive problems in children. The symptoms will be more serious in animals – digestive disorders, excessive salivation, etc.

Lovely, these plants should however be installed with caution in your interiors: do not leave them for children and your pets. If swallowed, ANSES recommends cleaning the child’s mouth with a wet cloth, but do not let them drink. And contact a poison control center. If it concerns an animal, contact a veterinary poison control center. In all cases, take a photo of the plant or have the label with you to identify it as quickly as possible.

To contact a poison control center:

1703329683
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