Thuja is poisonous for humans and animals!

Thuja is poisonous for humans and animals!

This is why thuja is so poisonous

Thuja contains large amounts of essential oils in all parts of the plant:

  • Thujones
  • Camphor
  • Tannins
  • Terpineole
  • Flavonoids

A life-threatening situation only arises if parts of the tree of life are consumed. The consequences of poisoning by thuja are:

  • Nausea, nausea
  • Bowel problems
  • Skin and mucous membrane irritation
  • cramps
  • Paralysis
  • Kidney and liver damage

If you suspect that a child or animal has eaten parts of a thuja, you should contact the poison control center immediately and contact a doctor.

People at particular risk

Children who put parts of the plant into their mouths out of curiosity are of course particularly at risk. But pregnant women should also stay away. Thuja can cause a miscarriage.

In gardens with children and / or pets, you should avoid a thuja hedge entirely for safety's sake.

Protect hands and face when handling thuja

When caring for and especially when cutting the thuja hedge, sap leaks out, which can cause severe skin reactions on the bare skin.

Therefore, when working on the thuja hedge, you should always wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing and possibly a face mask.

Tips

Even if thuja is highly poisonous, you can put plant residues on the compost. Wear respiratory protection when chopping them, as some people are allergic to even the smallest of particles.