Symptoms of Datura Poisoning (Anticholinergic Syndrome)
The severe effects often manifest within an hour of ingestion and can be summarized by the classic saying:
“Hot as a hare” (High fever/body temperature)
“Blind as a bat” (Severely dilated pupils/impaired vision)
“Dry as a bone” (Extreme dry mouth and skin, difficulty swallowing)
“Red as a beet” (Flushed skin)
“Mad as a hatter” (Confusion, agitation, delirium, vivid hallucinations, and psychosis)
In severe cases, poisoning can lead to seizures, respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and death.
Safety in Your Garden
If you find Datura stramonium growing in your garden or yard, especially where children or pets play, it is strongly advised to remove it:
Protective Gear: Always wear gloves when handling the plant, as touching the foliage can cause skin irritation or mild absorption of the alkaloids.
Complete Removal: Uproot the entire plant, including the taproot, to prevent regrowth.
Safe Disposal: Place the pulled plant material and all spiky seed capsules in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in municipal waste. Do not put it in a compost heap, as the seeds are extremely long-lived and the compost heat is unlikely to destroy them.
🚨 Medical Emergency Warning:
If you suspect that a child, pet, or adult has ingested any part of the Datura stramonium plant, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services right away. Take a sample of the plant with you for proper identification.
