Chapter 10

Poisonous Plants

INGESTION POISONING

10-14. Ingestion poisoning can be very serious and could lead to death very quickly. Do not eat any plant unless you have positively identified it first. Keep a log of all plants eaten.

10-15. Symptoms of ingestion poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, depressed heartbeat and respiration, headaches, hallucinations, dry mouth, unconsciousness, coma, and death.

10-16. If you suspect plant poisoning, try to remove the poisonous material from the victim's mouth and stomach as soon as possible. If the victim is conscious, induce vomiting by tickling the back of his throat or by giving him warm saltwater. If the victim is conscious, dilute the poison by administering large quantities of water or milk.

10-17. The following plants can cause ingestion poisoning if eaten:

• Castor bean.

• Chinaberry.

• Death camas.

• Lantana.

• Manchineel.

• Oleander.

• Pangi.

• Physic nut.

• Poison and water hemlocks.

• Rosary pea.

• Strychnine tree.

10-18. Appendix C provides photographs and descriptions of these plants.