Can You Get Poisoned By Lily Of The Valley?

Lily of the valley poisoning can happen when parts of the plant — such as the leaves, flowers, or roots — are ingested, and it's especially poisonous to children and pets. As Medline Plus reports, some of the symptoms that may arise after ingesting lily of the valley include irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, disorientation, blurred, vision, and rashes or hives, among others. It is highly urged to seek medical help immediately if any part of the plant is ingested. The worst that could happen is a cardiac episode, which can lead to death — a rare occurrence, but possible.

The severity of lily of the valley poisoning depends on what part of the plant was ingested, the amount consumed, as well as the time between the ingestion and treatment. Common hospital treatments include IV fluids, antitoxin medication, or the use of activated charcoal to absorb the toxins. For severe poisoning that affects the heart, a temporary pacemaker may be needed, according to Plant Care Today. Commonly, the symptoms last for three days, in which the patient must be monitored in the hospital.