First of all: whether dyer's broom or broom, all types of gorse contain alkaloids and therefore lead to serious symptoms of poisoning when consumed. If you still want to establish the attractive flowering plant in the garden, you should inform yourself in detail about the risks and symptoms of gorse poisoning. The composition of the alkaloids varies in the individual species, which does not change the fact that every gorse toxic and therefore dangerous for herbivorous pets, for cats and of course for babies and toddlers is.
Even if the unpleasant taste of the plant actually excludes consumption, gorse poisoning with severe circulatory problems and gastrointestinal complaints are not uncommon. Gardeners who plant gorse should precisely determine the species and find out about the effects and composition of the toxins before purchasing them.
A tip for parents: With babies and toddlers it is better not to use gorse, as you can never guarantee that your offspring are not interested in the plant and possibly put plant parts in their mouths takes. In a child the effect is much stronger than in an adult, so that even marginal amounts of the alkaloids lead to the worst symptoms of poisoning.
Different gorse, different risks
Every gorse contains alkaloids and therefore belongs to the category
Poisonous plants. But the effects are very different, so you cannot generally assume the gorse and a toxin and a symptom. A few examples illustrate which type of gorse causes which symptoms of poisoning.Broom
- Contains the alkaloid sparteine in leaves and seeds
- Sparteine is very poisonous
- triggers nausea, gastrointestinal complaints and circulatory collapse
Gorse, German gorse, red gorse and dyer's gorse
- Contain cytisine
- that has a paralyzing effect on the body
- can lead to respiratory arrest
Since all gorse plants are highly poisonous plants, you as parents and pet owners decide against the plant at best. The same applies to the laburnum, which also contains cytisine and, like the gorse, can lead to symptoms of paralysis, circulatory problems and respiratory arrest.
Great danger for humans AND animals
Why are gorse planted in the garden at all when it has been proven to be a poisonous plant? In the heyday, the gorse captivates with a charming aura, which is very popular with gardeners. The right one
Handling, which includes, for example, pruning and caring for gorse with gloves, there is no need to fear symptoms of poisoning. As soon as the alkaloids come into contact with the saliva and get into the stomach, however, the danger posed by the plant should not be underestimated.Important information about the risk of gorse poisoning:
- Even 5-10 seeds poison an adult.
- In children, a much smaller amount becomes a great danger.
- Dogs, cats and rabbits can die from the poison of the gorse.
- Gorse is poisonous to fish. A planting near the pond is to be excluded.
- No plants near pastures or playgrounds.
Even if the seeds in particular are suspected of having the greatest poisonous effect, the poisonous content in the other parts of the plant must also be taken seriously. Older people and children as well as pets are special because of their lower resistance endangered, as a result of which the first signs of poisoning are not taken lightly should.
What should be done in the event of gorse poisoning?
In the event of nausea, vomiting, circulatory problems or paralysis and heart problems after contact with gorse, an emergency doctor should be consulted immediately. Increased salivation is a sign that occurs especially when it comes into contact with broom and can be the preliminary stage of poisoning. If parents react immediately, particularly severe poisoning can usually be avoided.
The broom in particular is known for the fact that when consumed it leads to intestinal obstruction and unconsciousness. Prompt medical help prevents the enormous risks of alkaloids poisoning and is the only correct course of action when you experience the first symptoms and assume that your child has nibbled on the gorse or touched the plant with their hands and then put their fingers in their mouth.
Proper handling of gorse
Avoid the risk of poisoning by never touching gorse with your bare hand. Even if children and pets in particular are at risk, the alkaloid has an effect
from the plant also has a negative impact on your health. All maintenance measures are carried out with appropriate gloves so that you avoid direct contact with the gorse and do not run any risk.Families and pet owners should generally consider whether the attractiveness of the plant increases the risk of a Poisoning outweighs or whether it would not be better to go towards planting gorse in general waive. There are no non-toxic species, only differences in the effects of the toxic substances in the gorse. The planting of the bushes is therefore always associated with the danger, through contact or even the Contact of the alkaloids with the saliva to become ill and one or more of the listed symptoms ascertain.
Where children play, don't choose poisonous plants!
The gorse certainly doesn't need to be dramatized. However, you shouldn't underestimate its toxic effects either. If you don't want to do without gorse, it is best to wait until your children are a little taller and understand your pointers. Babies and toddlers in particular are at risk because they put the seeds and individual plant parts in their mouths and bring the poison directly into the organism. To limit such risks, you can fence the shrub in order to prevent your child from picking a branch or collecting the seeds of the plant.
Ultimately, as parents and pet owners, you are responsible for the health of your family. Only if you can rule out the risk of poisoning should the gorse in your garden be considered at all. On small plots or right next to the house, near the children's play area or the sitting area, gorse is generally a poor choice and increases the risk of poisoning.
Attention: Not only children and pets, but also you as an adult are at risk! Therefore, consider carefully whether the gorse is worth your heart's desire and the associated risk of poisoning.