Actually, the ragwort is an attractive plant with its yellow flowers that can be seen from afar. Were it not for the toxic ingredients that can be dangerous to many animals and humans.
Ragwort is only poisonous to humans if eaten
How toxic is the herb really?
Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are metabolized in the liver to toxic substances. Horses and pigs, but also cattle, are particularly sensitive to these substances. Since the herb is spreading more and more, it also poses a danger to humans that should not be underestimated. The toxic substances, for which there is currently no uniform limit value, have already been detected in milk and honey.
The warmer the more toxic
The toxic substances of ragwort vary from plant to plant and can be detected in around 500 structures with different properties. The spectrum of effects on animals and humans ranges from harmless to absolutely toxic. A ragweed that thrives high in the Alps can be completely harmless, while one that grows in the lowlands can be highly toxic. In principle, however, it can be said that the warmer the area in which ragwort thrives, the more toxic it is.
danger to humans
Ragwort poisoning can go unnoticed for a long time because there are no clear symptoms at first. The toxins are metabolized in the liver and have a long-term toxic effect there. Experts are of the opinion that the increasing number of liver diseases can also be attributed to the high number of unreported cases of ragweed poisoning in humans.
Unlike known poisonous plants such as deadly nightshade, poisoning with ragweed occurs gradually over a longer period of time. The toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids have a liver-damaging effect even in the smallest amounts and are carcinogenic. Accidental ingestion of large amounts of Ragwort will result in death from liver failure within a few days.
tips
As has been proven in the meantime, German honey contains no or only very small amounts of ragwort alkaloids. Still, it makes sense to get the honey from a known source and to make sure that the beekeeper doesn't have their hives near ragweed stands.