The Hidden Danger in Your Home? Unmasking the Toxicity of the Mexican tea Plant.

Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides)
1
The essential oil derived from Mexican tea is highly poisonous, with the potential to be lethal if consumed.
2
Ingesting significant amounts of Mexican tea can deplete the body's calcium, resulting in a hazardous calcium deficiency.
3
Mexican tea poses a severe toxic threat to canines, inducing symptoms ranging from emesis to possible demise, even in minimal quantities.

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Is Mexican tea harmful to people?

The concentrated oil derived from the outer portions of Mexican tea (blossoms, stalks, foliage) is highly poisonous, potentially inducing nausea, lightheadedness, seizures, and even death if consumed. Numerous species within the Dysphania genus possess saponins, a harmful chemical that can be detrimental if absorbed by the body. Mexican tea also contains oxalic acid, which isn't inherently toxic; however, consuming large amounts can bind calcium in the body, making it unavailable and leading to a calcium deficit. It is advised that individuals with arthritis, kidney stones, gout, hyperacidity, and rheumatism refrain from consuming Mexican tea, as it might exacerbate their conditions.

Is Mexican tea harmful to felines?

The fruits/seeds of Mexican tea (Dysphania ambrosioides) plants are considered moderately poisonous to cats, and ingesting even a small quantity can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Consult a veterinarian if purging persists, to prevent complications from dehydration.

Is Mexican tea harmful to canines?

The Mexican tea plant is extremely poisonous to dogs. All components contain a range of detrimental compounds that can irritate a dog's digestive system even in small amounts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In greater quantities, these compounds might lead to breathing difficulties, convulsions, unconsciousness, or even demise. Dogs seldom consume substantial amounts of this plant, but suspected Mexican tea poisoning warrants an immediate visit to the veterinarian.

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