Oleander Flowers | 13 May 2024

Source: IE

Kerala has banned the use of Oleander flowers (Nerium Oleander) (locally known as Arali) in temple offerings after a woman died from accidentally chewing poisonous oleander leaves.

• Oleander, also called rosebay, is a widely cultivated plant found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world.
  • It is popular for its ability to withstand drought and is commonly used for landscaping and ornamental purposes.
• Oleander as a Traditional Medicine:
  • Ayurveda prescribes this for treating chronic and obstinate skin diseases, including leprosy.
  • The Bhavaprakasha (a renowned treatise on Ayurveda) has mentioned it as a poisonous plant and recommended its use in the treatment of infected wounds, skin diseases, microbes and parasites, and itching.
• The plant contains cardiac glycosides (a type of chemical), including oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, which can have pharmacological effects on the heart.
  • Symptoms of oleander toxicity include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, confusion, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and in extreme cases, death.

Read More: Types of Forests in India