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Collecting wild garlic A mix-up can be fatal
The spring is wild garlic time. Walkers often notice their intense smell in the forest. The leaves of the plant are not only extremely tasty, but also healthy. In naturopathy they are used for various complaints. When collecting, however, caution is advised: The plant has dangerous doppelgangers. Their consumption can be fatal.
Confusion can be fatal
The smell of wild garlic is one of the first spring messengers. In parks and forests, he is already reaching out to walkers. The leaves of the lily family are not only delicious, but are also used as a natural remedy, such as atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) or high blood pressure. Also for a detox cure the leaves are suitable. But with the wild garlic collecting caution is appropriate: The plant looks very similar to lilies of the valley and autumn time lots. A mistake can be fatal.
Spring time is wild garlic time. Those who go collecting themselves should be careful. Bear's garlic is similar to plants whose consumption can be fatal. (Image: ferkelraggae / fotolia.com) Plant resembles lilies of the valley and autumn timeless
Bear's garlic, whose scent is perceptible from several meters away, often occurs at the same time as the deadly poisonous autumnal colts (Colchicum autumnale). Also confusion with lilies of the valley (Convallaria majalis) are possible. Already three to four leaves of the Herbstzeitlose can be deadly. The cytotoxin contained in the plant - colchicine - only works after several hours. The first signs of poisoning are nausea and vomiting, cramps, cardiovascular problems and blood in the stool. If symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible or an emergency doctor should be contacted. In 2004, an elderly couple died because it had mistaken wild garlic for the autumnal season. Confusions with lilies of the valley usually have less serious consequences. Although glycosides can cause cardiac arrhythmia, however, these substances are poorly absorbed by the intestine and rapidly excreted by the kidney. Life-threatening poisonings are therefore rare.
Wild garlic smells like garlic
Important distinguishing features between plants are, according to experts, the leaves and stems. For example, each wild garlic leaf grows on a single stem, usually many grow next to each other and form groups. Lilies of the valley, on the other hand, always have two leaves on a stalk. And at Herbstzeitlosen the leaves are initially close to the stem and then unfolded. In addition, an odor test can help to detect the difference. For example, the leaves of wild garlic smell like garlic if they are rubbed between the fingers but not the other two plants.
Poisonous garden tulip looks similar
Last but not least, the leaves of the poisonous garden tulip (Tulipa hybrids), which occasionally grow wild, can cause a deadly confusion. This flower plant forms - if it does not come to the bloom - only a single sheet, which resembles the Bärlauch. In it is tulipin, which has a similar effect as the colchicine of the Herbstzeitlose. Fifteen minutes after consumption, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. Strong intoxications eventually lead to shock, apathy and even through respiratory arrest even to death.
Tasty and very healthy
However, the warnings should not lead to completely renouncing wild garlic. The plant is basically very healthy. For example, wild garlic is used in naturopathy for, among other things, complaints of asthma, fever and bronchitis. He also cleans the vessels and contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, iron and sulfur. Wild garlic can be excellently used in salads, soups, dips or pasta in the kitchen. The "wild garlic" is milder than garden garlic and, when enjoyed in moderate amounts, does not cause any annoying odor. (Ad)