How poisonous is the bellflower? Dangers to children, dogs and cats

Who doesn't know Campanula - the bellflower? She is so lovely to look at. They come in different colors and types. The bellflower grows wild on the edges of forests, roads and meadows. They are also welcome guests in perennial beds when their blossoms transform them into a blue sea of ​​blossoms from June to August. However, rumors keep coming up that caution should be exercised when handling bluebells because they are poisonous. Is it just a rumor or a fact?

Myth or Reality

The bellflower is surrounded by many ancient myths and fairy tales. Who could imagine a fairy or elf without a bellflower as a headdress? This is how these mythical creatures have been represented for centuries. But also the fairy tale "Rapunzel" owes its name to a bellflower, namely the Rapunzel bellflower.

An old English story has it that if a person inadvertently dwells within a ring of bluebells, he is subject to the judgment of the fairies and elves. Here you decide between life and death. Such myths led, among other things, to the emergence of the opinion that bluebells are poisonous and should therefore be avoided. At that time, people could not correctly interpret such things depending on their beliefs. But what exactly is it about such claims?

tip: The Rapunzel Bellflower (Campanula rapunculus) used to be grown as a vegetable. Their fleshy roots are very nutritious.

Toxicity

The rumor about the toxicity of the bellflower still lingers today. However, so far experts have been able to no toxins detect in the plants. However, they could not clearly prove that the bellflower is generally non-toxic. The toxicity of plants is therefore still a matter of controversy. In short, so far there is no scientific proof of the toxicity. In addition, the bellflower cannot be found in any directory for poisonous plants. It is assumed that

• the toxicity of the plants depends on the species
• component-dependent and
• depending on the organism of the respective person

is.

Sensitive people in particular should therefore be careful and careful when handling bluebells of any kind.

tip: Various parts of the campanula are used in naturopathy. They are considered diuretic, disinfectant and hemostatic.

Be careful when handling

Since the toxicity of the various species has not yet been fully clarified, it is advisable to be vigilant when handling bluebells. To an adult human, bluebells are not fatally poisonous by themselves. However, a few things should be considered, as the toxicity is controversial

• Keep children and babies away from bluebells
• also do not allow cat and dog contact
• Do not use bluebells as animal feed (horses, rodents, turtles)
• Clippings spend on the compost
• do not necessarily eat parts of the plant
• small amounts are harmless, sometimes nausea

tip: To avoid poisoning it is advisable at the care of bluebells to wear gloves. This can prevent skin irritation.

Different types edible

In general, it is advisable not to eat any parts of the bluebell plant. Mainly this applies to very sensitive people and especially to children and babies.
Although the toxicity of all types of Campanula has not really been clarified, some representatives of this genus are considered to be very tasty and digestible. Edible parts of the plant include

• Leaves in spring, slightly sweet taste
• blossoms
• Shoots and stems
• partly also roots, for example Rapunzel bellflower

The species are very popular with connoisseurs

• Meadow Bellflower (Campanula patula)
• Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia)
• Hanging bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana)
• Dwarf bellflower (Campanula cochtearifolia)
• Rapunzel Bellflower (Campanula rapunculus)

The flowers are ideal as a decoration for salads and soups. The buds and flowers of the meadow bellflower have a mildly aromatic taste, similar to peas. The leaves and shoots taste mild and slightly nutty and are very suitable as an ingredient in salads.

Be warned, however, that not all people tolerate these parts of the plant equally well. After consuming it, the mucous membranes can sometimes burn and scratch. In the worst case, stomach and intestinal problems occur.

First aid

Normally the bellflower is not really deadly toxic to humans. However, every person who comes into contact with this plant can react differently. This can lead to skin irritation, but also to discomfort and abdominal discomfort when consumed. In such cases, the first thing to do is to keep calm. Frantic activity can only make the situation worse. The first aid measures should then be initiated:

• give a glass of water or tea
• if severe symptoms persist (palpitations or shortness of breath), call or call an emergency doctor
• Make sure the plant concerned is safe for the doctor

dog and cat

Initial symptoms can turn into

• Vomit
• diarrhea
• Tremble
• Muscle spasms
• profuse salivation
• dark mucous membranes

to express.

The symptoms usually appear some time after ingesting the poison. Here, too, you should remain calm and the vet should be informed immediately by telephone about symptoms and suspicions. He will then give instructions for first aid. However, the patient should go to the practice or veterinary clinic as soon as possible for further treatment. If no vet is available, activated charcoal can be given, but only then. This binds the toxins on their surface. This means that the poison cannot enter the bloodstream from the intestine. Administration should be carried out

• 1 g of activated charcoal per 1 kg of body weight
• Mix charcoal with 5 to 10 ml of water per gram of activated charcoal
• Pour the porridge into the mouth with a syringe
• Leave further treatment to the vet

tip: If you want to make sure that children and pets do not come into contact with bluebells, you should ban them from the garden.

Note: Please note that this article does not in any way replace a visit to the doctor. There is no guarantee that medical statements are correct.
You will find detailed information on first aid in the event of poisoning and important information on poison control centers here.