Again and again the question arises whether the beautiful Christmas roses are poisonous to humans and animals. We're investigating the rumor of the poisonous Christmas rose.
The evergreen Christmas roses (Helleborus niger) are very popular in domestic gardens. They also make a wonderful floral winter decoration as a potted plant on the balcony or terrace, because they open their flowers when many other plants are in hibernation. You may have thought about buying a Christmas rose, but were unsure because you heard that Christmas roses are poisonous. In this article we will clarify whether there is any truth to this rumor and whether Christmas roses are actually poisonous.
It should be anticipated that Christmas roses are actually poisonous. However, this does not speak fundamentally against planting in your own garden. In the following we will go into why Christmas roses can be dangerous for humans and animals. We also inform you about the precautionary measures to be taken and how best to proceed in the event of poisoning.
Are Christmas roses poisonous to humans?
Yes, Christmas roses are poisonous to humans and therefore unfit for human consumption. Responsible for this are various toxic ingredients such as saponins and the protoanemonin found in buttercup plants (Ranunculaceae). In the genus Helleborus, the cardiac toxin Helleborin and the strongly cardiac-active steroid saponin Hellebrin, which acts similarly to the cardiac glycosides of the genus Foxgloves (Digitalis), are added .
Basically, all parts of the Christmas rose plant are poisonous. However, the highest concentration of Helleborin is found in the rootstock, so that poisoning by snow roses - as Christmas roses are also called - are rarely observed. However, eating ripe seed pods can also cause severe poisoning. However, its use as an emetic and laxative, for which it was used in folk medicine in ancient times, is not recommended today.
Tip from the professional: When gardening, escaping plant juices can lead to skin irritation. Therefore, always wear gloves when handling Christmas roses and do not touch your face while gardening.
Are Christmas roses poisonous for cats, dogs and Co.?
Yes, Christmas roses are also poisonous for animals. Interestingly enough, the name "Eberwurz", by which the Christmas rose is also known, dates back to the 17th century. At that time, the Christmas rose was used in veterinary medicine as a remedy for coughs, poisoning and swine fever. To do this, a hole was pierced in the animal's ear, and a piece of Christmas rose root was stuck through it for one day and one night. However, this method has been abandoned today.
Horses can come into contact with the Christmas rose fresh on the pasture or dried in the hay. They react to the poisonous plant with heart problems, which in the worst case can lead to death. Among pets, puppies and young cats are particularly at risk, as they may ingest the poisonous seeds and roots out of curiosity. If your pet vomits, has diarrhea or shows increased salivation, you should consider poisoning with the poisonous Christmas rose. Other signs may include cramps, lack of body control, changes in breathing rate or a change in the pupil.
You should consult a veterinarian at the latest when you notice the first signs of paralysis in your animal. If you can still see parts of plants, be sure to take them with you. This way, the vet will know more quickly what type of poisoning it is. As a precautionary measure, it is advisable to plan Christmas roses in the garden design only when animals remain out of reach. If you are a cat owner, Christmas roses are also not suitable as a houseplant in the house or apartment.
Treatment options for poisoning with Christmas roses
Helleborus poisoning is rare, but not impossible. Especially with small children, the effects should not be underestimated. Symptoms of poisoning here are dizziness and collapse. But scratching in the mouth and throat, increased salivation, gastrointestinal complaints or dilated pupils are also indications of poisoning.
Immediate administration of medicinal charcoal is recommended as a first aid measure.Thereafter, a constant check of the vital functions must be carried out, an emergency call must be made and contact made with a poison information center.
You can find more information about buying and caring for Christmas roses in our special article.