A poison cocktail that flows through the entire plant
All parts of the plant contain toxins, whereby the onion with the alkaloid Amaryllidaceae stands out. The onion is the most poisonous because of this. The leaves, the stem and the blossom contain the toxic substances tazettin, galanthamine and lycorin.
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No great danger to humans
Snowdrops are considered to be slightly toxic and humans are relatively unlikely to poison themselves from snowdrops. This plant does not resemble any other plant that is considered edible. Small children are the exception. Make it clear to your children that they are not allowed to eat the snowdrop!
Snowdrops poisonous to dogs
In addition to small children, (young) pets such as dogs are particularly at risk. If a dog has nibbled on the snowdrop or eaten too much of it, the following symptoms may occur, among others:
- diarrhea
- Vomit
- Drowsiness
- increased salivation
- constricted pupils
- in the worst case: symptoms of paralysis
Humans react similarly to snowdrop poisoning. Experts believe that consuming up to three onions is not noticeable in an adult. If pets are poisoned, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
As countermeasures, drinking plenty of water and taking activated charcoal will help. A lethal dose is not known. Prevention is better than countermeasures: plants Do not make snowdrops if you have children and / or are a pet owner.
Tips & Tricks
Did you know? Snowdrops are used in medicine. The ingredients are said to help in small amounts with Alzheimer's, menstrual cramps and heart problems.