Sweet peas are very popular vines and climbing plants that, in addition to the interestingly feathered leaves, have beautifully shaped butterfly flowers. Since they grow over bare house walls and unsightly fences within a very short time, they are cultivated in many gardens. Especially when small children or pets live in the household, the question also arises as to whether vetch is one of the poisonous plants.
The flat pea is particularly harmful to the health of animals
Vetches are slightly poisonous
Vetch toxicity is classified as low by the Poison Information Center. The toxins are found in all parts of the plant. The contained toxic amino acids (derivatives of propionitrite) have a toxic effect.
The highest concentration is in the seeds that form after the flowers have faded. It is therefore advisable to cut them off consistently.
If the pods are only consumed once, the only consequence is often vomiting. If a child regularly nibbles on the pods, there is a risk of so-called lathyrism. The symptoms of this insidious poisoning are:
- edema
- Pain and pins and needles in the legs
- strong urge to urinate
- Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder)
Lathyrus is poisonous to animals
Sweet peas are poisonous to horses and cattle. For this reason, vetch is also not suitable as food for rodents such as hares, rabbits and guinea pigs.
The symptoms of poisoning are shown by:
- sweats
- excitement
- throat whistles
- shortness of breath
- Gait problems due to paralysis
- skin rashes
- Stomach and intestinal problems
tips
Vetch seeds were still used as food in ancient times. Consumption is strongly discouraged due to its toxicity. In homeopathy, vetch is used successfully for shaking paralysis and multiple sclerosis. In this case, the potentization turns the toxin into a remedy.