Herbstzeitlose: So poisonous is the plant
The autumn timeless is extremely toxic. Even small amounts of the plant can be fatal to humans and animals if medical help is not provided quickly.
The autumn timeless is as toxic as arsenic
The plant's poison resembles arsenic and as little as 10 grams can lead to death. If children or pets live in your household, you should banish the Herbstzeitlose entirely from your garden for safety.
- When weeding, be sure to wear gloves so that the plant sap does not stick to your hands and accidentally get into your body through touching your mouth.
- It is fatal that symptoms of poisoning only appear hours after consumption. Then the poison has already spread and mostly gastric lavage does not help at this stage.
- Symptoms of poisoning include difficulty swallowing, burning in the mouth and throat, as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Body temperature and blood pressure also decrease.
- If parts of the plant have been eaten, immediate action is important, even if you do not notice any signs of poisoning. If treatment is not rapid, death occurs from respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest.
- Important: When collecting wild herbs there is a risk of confusion with wild garlic. So be extra careful. If you are not familiar with herbs, you should avoid collecting them.