Health hazard Toxic berries carry us to the hospital

Do not pick: health hazard from poisonous berries
In the summer is berry time. All sorts of berries are currently sprouting in the woods. Many of the fruits are not only delicious but also good for your health. But some also pose a danger to humans. Some berries are poisonous and can even be deadly.

Many berries are delicious and healthy
In summer numerous berry varieties sprout here in Germany. Many of them are not only delicious but also very healthy. Studies have shown that regular consumption of certain fruits can strengthen the immune system and help protect against diseases such as hypertension or heart attack. Blueberries catch free radicals and thus protect against cancer. But not every berry, which grows in this country on shrubs, is harmless. Some of the fruits are poisonous and can even be deadly.

Even a few belladonna can cause severe poisoning. (Image: emer / fotolia.com)

Even three belladonna can be deadly to children
On its website, the Austrian Pharmacist's Chamber reveals which wild plants are poisonous. One of the most famous poisonous berries that grow here is the belladonna. Most of the black cherry-sized berries are found at the edge of the forest. Already three to five berries can be fatal for children who are not treated on time after consumption. In adults, about ten to twenty belladonnais are said to kill. In case of suspicion, it is important to pay attention to certain symptoms. If symptoms such as dry mouth or fast pulse occur or the face turns red, a doctor should be consulted quickly.

Especially the needles of the yew are dangerous
The yew is no less poisonous. According to the experts, only the red seed coat that surrounds the hard black seeds is non-toxic. The needles are especially dangerous. The substance Taxin B contained in it can lead in the worst case to a deadly poisoning. Typical symptoms of poisoning include dry mouth, reddened lips, facial pallor and nausea. In addition, the heart beats first faster and then very slowly later. Even with the red-orange fruits of the daphne is not to joke. Already a single seed can burn mouth and throat for hours. Consumption may also cause vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea or collapse. For a child, ten fruits could be deadly.

In case of suspected poisoning to the doctor
The Pfaffenhütchen, which strictly speaking is not a real berry, is anything but harmless. All parts of the plant - from the capsule to the seed - are toxic. The pharmacists explain that after consuming more than five seeds you should vomit or have a gastric lavage done. Otherwise, in the worst case, cardiovascular and consciousness disorders could even occur. No matter what the fruits were: In case of suspected poisoning, call the emergency doctor (112) or contact the poison emergency call of the state concerned. Health experts usually warn against taking medications on their own. (Ad)