Barberries are poisonous in all parts - with one exception
Poisonous plants are not to be trifled with. We therefore asked experts about the poisonous content of barberry thorns. The information center against poisoning of the University of Bonn states:
- Barberries are poisonous in all parts due to alkaloids
- Main components with health risk: isoquinoline alkaloids with berberine as the main alkaloid
- Highest concentration in roots and trunk bark
- Lower concentration in leaves, flowers and thorns
- Harmless parts of the plant: berry fruits and the seeds they contain
also read
- This barberry makes itself useful as a ground cover - beautiful varieties
- Premium varieties for the evergreen barberry hedge
- The most beautiful evergreen barberry - variety tips for beds and balconies
From these findings it follows that the berries of barberries are suitable for consumption. The fruits contain valuable vitamins and fiber. In autumn you can enjoy the dark red berries to harvest and use for a variety of preparations.
Remove the barberry thorn from your finger - this is how it works
Home gardeners dedicate themselves to Maintenance work Without appropriate protective clothing, a thorn can get stuck in your finger. There is no need to panic, but it should not be taken lightly. How to get rid of the thorn:
- Carefully clean the affected skin area with warm soapy water
- Important: Do not press or squeeze the entry point
- Use a magnifying glass to examine how deep the thorn is in the flesh
- Ideally, pull out with tweezers
- Alternatively, put on the adhesive tape, press it on gently and pull it off with the spike
- Smear the deeper thorn with pulling ointment overnight and remove it the next day
If you do not discover the thorn until the skin is already swollen, please contact your family doctor immediately. Swelling indicates inflammation which, if not treated correctly, can result in blood poisoning.
Tips
Do you know the difference between spikes and thorns? Spines sit superficially on the epidermis of a plant, so they break off easily and get stuck in the finger. Thorns, on the other hand, are firmly fused with the shoot because they are former leaves. Since barberry thorns do not break off as quickly, they can cause considerable skin damage, so that when Cut the wearing of protective clothing is strongly recommended.
