Skip to main content

🌿 BEWARE OF THESE TOXIC PLANTS: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

⚠️ 

12 Toxic Plants You Should Never Ignore




1. 

Oleander (Nerium oleander) – Adodó



All parts of this popular ornamental plant are poisonous. Ingestion or even skin contact can cause irritation and severe health issues. Keep out of reach of children and pets.




2. 

Angel’s Trumpets (Brugmansia spp.) – Gegemu



Beautiful but deadly. The flowers, nectar, and seeds are highly toxic. Ingestion may lead to hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and even coma.



3. 

Castor Bean Plant (Ricinus communis) – ÃŒlàrà



This plant contains ricin, one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances. Just a few chewed seeds can be fatal.



4. 

Hemlock (Conium maculatum) – Èwé ÃŒgún



Historically used as poison in ancient executions, Hemlock can cause paralysis and death. Avoid touching or inhaling it.



5. 

Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) – Ã’gìdán



Pretty but perilous. Even a small amount of this plant can cause hallucinations, seizures, and death if ingested.



6. 

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) – ÃŒtànná ÃŒpadò / Èwé Ã’rò



Used in some herbal remedies, but extremely poisonous. It can disrupt heart function if taken internally.



7. 

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – Lobíírí



This lovely flowering plant can be deadly. Its toxins affect the heart, and just touching it can be harmful to sensitive skin.



8. 

Daphne (Daphne spp.) – Èwé Dáfínì



Don’t be deceived by its fragrance or pretty berries. Daphne is highly toxic and can be fatal if eaten.



9. 

Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) – Èwé ÃŒgún Inú Odò



One of the most poisonous plants in Nigeria. It attacks the central nervous system and can lead to seizures and death.



10. 

Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp.) – Èwé Èmílẹ



These are common in gardens, but their milky sap can cause intense skin irritation or blindness if it gets in the eyes.



11. 

Cycads (Cycas spp.) – ÃŒgbó Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀ / ÃŒgì Ọ̀pẹ̀lẹ̀



Often mistaken for palms, their seeds are toxic unless processed correctly. Handle with care, and never eat them raw.



12. 

Mistletoe (Viscum spp.) – Àfòmó



While used traditionally in herbal medicine, mistletoe contains toxins that affect the heart and nervous system when ingested improperly.





🛑 

How to Stay Safe: Simple Precautions



  • Don’t touch or eat plants you’re unfamiliar with.
  • Educate your children about the dangers of eating unknown fruits or leaves.
  • Always wear gloves when gardening or handling plants.
  • Keep houseplants labeled and stored safely, especially if they are toxic.
  • In schools and public spaces, make sure landscaping avoids these dangerous plants.
  • When in doubt, consult a botanist or environmental health officer.






🚨 

In Case of Poisoning: What to Do



  • Call emergency services immediately.
  • Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a professional.
  • Take a sample of the plant (if safe to do so) to help medical personnel identify it.
  • Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or abnormal heart rate.






💡 

Final Thoughts



Nature is beautiful — but it demands respect and knowledge. At NIFSGISTS UPDATE, we’re committed to providing life-saving information. Share this article with friends, parents, schools, and caregivers to help raise awareness about plant-related poisoning.


Together, let’s create a safer environment  one post at a time. 🌿✨


TRENDING GIST:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Preventive Healthcare in Oyo State: The Urgent Need for More Environmental Health Officers in the state

Prevention is Better and Cheaper than Cure: Why Oyo State Needs More Environmental Health Officers for a Healthier Life Building a Healthier Future: Why Oyo State Needs More Environmental Health Officers In recent years, the concept of preventive healthcare has gained significant attention, particularly in developing regions like Oyo State. The saying "prevention is better than cure" has never been more relevant. As diseases and environmental hazards continue to evolve, the need for proactive approaches to health has become essential. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by strengthening the presence of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in Oyo State.   The Role of Environmental Health Officers Environmental Health Officers play a critical role in safeguarding public health. They are trained professionals responsible for ensuring that environments—both urban and rural—are free from hazards that can compromise the health of residents. Their duties range from ins...
Post a Comment
Read more

Oluyole Constituency Road Project Faces Criticism as Residents Share Evidence of Delays

Construction of Odo-Ona Elewe Road Flagged Off, but Residents Claim Otherwise Road construction flag off in 2020 The long-anticipated construction of the Odo-Ona Elewe-Idi-Iroko-Olugbemi Adewole (Liberty Academy) Road in Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State , was officially flagged off on the 15th of April, 2020. This announcement came via Team #TASK on the official Instagram page of Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Oluyole constituency. According to Team TASK , the project is being carried out by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency ( FERMA ) in partnership with MESSRS NDAGRE NIGERIA LIMITED . The project, when completed, is expected to significantly improve road access for residents and boost economic activities in the area. Present Situation of the Road However, despite this official announcement, some residents in the area have voiced concerns over the status of the road project. They claim that the road remains unfi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Oyo SUBEB Unveils Names of Newly Recruited Teachers and Caregivers

SUBEB has officially released the names of 5,600 newly recruited primary school teachers and 80 caregivers. The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has officially released the names of 5,600 newly recruited primary school teachers and 80 caregivers, marking a significant milestone in the state's educational reforms. Speaking in Ibadan, SUBEB Chairman Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran disclosed that the recruitment list received full approval from Governor Seyi Makinde. The first batch of successful applicants emerged from a recent recruitment exercise conducted by OYOSUBEB. To check their status, applicants are advised to visit the job portal at www.jobportal.oyostate.gov.ng . According to Dr. Adeniran, the list will be available on the portal starting Saturday, November 23, 2024. The newly engaged teachers and caregivers will undergo a verification exercise at the Board's headquarters, with dates and other relevant details to be announced soon. Dr. Adeniran emphasized...
Post a Comment
Read more