Plants That Could Take Us Out

Sometimes it seems like Mother Nature is out to get us. Just think about it. We are constantly being hit by deadly storms, there is a looming threat of wildfires, animals see us as prey, and naturally occurring pathogens make us sick and sometimes take our lives. So yes, though it may seem blunt, nature is sometimes not nice to us and we are constantly trying to dodge bullets. Even the plants around us in all their beauty and splendor have it in for us. Here are five plants that we should stay clear of.\r \r 1. Castor Oil Plant\r \r The oil extracted from the castor oil plant has medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses. Don’t let all this fool you because this plant is quite poisonous. In 2018, this plant was named Poisonous Plant of the Year. The castor oil plant, called Ricinus communis, forms ricin which is one of the most potent plant poisons. It is contained in the hull of the seed which must be removed before use. Ricin has also been tested as a chemical warfare agent. Ricin from just four to eight seeds can be lethal. If ingested, ricin prevents cells from producing proteins and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and organ failure.\r \r 2. Water Hemlock\r \r Water hemlock is found in North America and comes from the Apiaceae family. We all know its cousins such as carrots, parsley and fennel that are used in our kitchens. But don’t go thinking that water hemlock is just as harmless as its relatives and should be eaten. These white flowered, purple stemmed plants contain the poison, cicutoxin. It can also be absorbed through the skin. Within fifteen to ninety minutes, water hemlock poisoning causes nausea, stomach discomfort, and epigastric troubles. Severe convulsions and seizures can affect circulatory and respiratory processes. It causes kidney failure and even loss of life.\r \r 3. Gympie Gympie\r \r Gympie gympie, also known as stinging tree or stinging bush, is found in abundance in Australia. It is one of the world’s most venomous plants. It is slow acting and can cause months of excruciating pain. The tip of the silica hairs on the leaves of this plant breaks off when touched and becomes like self-injecting needles. Being stung by this plant has been described as being burnt with acid and being electrocuted all at once. It causes allergic reactions, intense pain and sensitivity. \r \r 4. Monkshood\r \r Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood or Devil’s Helmet, is a purple flower plant that grows in gardens in Europe. It is fine to handle the plant; however, eating it raw releases a chemical that is lethal. There have been cases where children accidentally eat the flowers or roots or people use the flowers for medicinal purposes. Poisoning from monkshood leads to heart rhythm changes, abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea, numbness, diarrhea, dizziness and shortness of breath to name a few. Loss of life from monkshood is quite possible.\r \r 5. Belladonna\r \r Belladonna, which may be found all over the world, has tiny purple blossoms and what appear to be small sweet black berries. Don’t be tempted to touch or eat from this plant because you won’t live long enough to regret it. Every part of the belladonna is poisonous. The ancient Romans used it to eliminate their enemies. Ingesting this plant leads to delirium and respiratory failure. Belladonna contains compounds that can affect the nervous system as well as the production of saliva, perspiration, changes in pupil size, urine, and other bodily processes. Additionally, belladonna might raise blood pressure and pulse rate.\r \r  \r \r