As popular as the evergreen boxwood is, all of its plant parts are highly toxic to both humans and animals.
Boxwood is highly toxic - even for cats
toxins
All parts of the boxwood are highly toxic: the plant contains over 70 different alkaloids, from the roots to the leaves, flowers, fruits and wood. The highest poison concentrations are in the leaves and in the bark, where the alkaloid content is up to three percent. The flowers and fruits are also considered highly poisonous. The main active ingredient is Cyclobuxin (Buxin).
symptoms
Poisoning is only possible through mere contact with very sensitive people, for example if they come into contact with plant sap during pruning and react with skin irritation. Experts therefore recommend always wearing gardening gloves and cleaning tools thoroughly for such activities. However, if parts of the box tree are consumed, depending on the amount of plant parts, severe symptoms of poisoning can occur, which can even be fatal under certain circumstances. However, Buchs tastes very bitter, which is why the consumption of larger quantities is rather unlikely.
human
Boxwood poisoning in humans is manifested by the following symptoms, among others:
- nausea and vomiting
- cramps
- diarrhea
- uncontrolled tremors
- signs of paralysis
- Drop in blood pressure (circulatory collapse possible)
Sensible first aid measures: Administer medicinal charcoal to bind the poison in the body and drink plenty of water. Do not give the affected person milk to drink and do not make them vomit! However, any plant remains in the mouth should be spat out immediately.
animal
The same symptoms and first aid measures apply to animals as to humans. However, the lethal doses are lower here: 150 grams are fatal for dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms, and even just 20 grams for a cat. Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and the like almost always suffer from fatal poisoning.
tips
For many centuries Buchs was also used in medicine. However, the plant is considered difficult to dose, which is why you should refrain from using it as a medicinal plant.