Death in Idukki from jimsonweed poisoning: Why this pretty plant is deadly
The poisoning often occurs when someone eats the seeds or sucks its juice, or drink tea made of jimsonweed leaves.
The poisoning often occurs when someone eats the seeds or sucks its juice, or drink tea made of jimsonweed leaves.
The poisoning often occurs when someone eats the seeds or sucks its juice, or drink tea made of jimsonweed leaves.
An elderly woman in Kerala's Idukki passed away recently after mistakenly consuming the seed of jimsonweed plant, which is popularly known as 'ummathinkaaya.' Jimsonweed is a plant that is commonly found in the district, and its beautiful flowers often attract people to pluck it or collect its seeds. However, it needs to be noted that all parts of this plant are poisonous. According to the US government's 'MedlinePlus' platform, the poison is especially found in the leaves and seeds of the plant. The poisoning often occurs when someone eats the seeds or sucks its juice, or drink tea made of jimsonweed leaves.
Here are a few symptoms of its poisoning:
1) Urinary retention
2) Tummy ache due to the same
3) Enlarged pupils
4) Dry mouth
5) Blurry vision
6) Vomiting and nausea
7) High blood pressure
8) Irregular or increasing pulse rate
9) Red, hot or dry skin
10) Fever and thirst
11) Headache, hallucinations, seizures or coma
In case of poisoning
It's important to take the patient immediately to the doctor. As part of the treatment, the person would be given medicine to treat symptoms, breathing support, X-ray, blood and urine, ECG tests, IV and activated charcoal.