In May this year, Alappuzha-based Surya Surendran lost his life after accidentally ingesting poison from an oleander flower in his courtyard. Police said the poison from the plant caused a 24-year-old man to go into cardiac arrest. Given that the pink flower was widely used in temples for pujas and various other purposes, many people were shocked to learn about its negative effects. The Travancore Board and Malabar Devaswam Board also banned the use of the flower in temple offerings. Now, the UAE has also banned the use of this flower, reports Manorama Online. Reports suggest that attempting to sell or use it could result in hefty fines. This flower was popular in the United Arab Emirates for Onam celebrations, flower carpet making, and religious ceremonies.
Why is Alari dangerous?
According to experts, this flower has a Sanskrit name ‘kajamaalaka’, which means it is dangerous enough to kill horses. Interestingly, all parts of this plant are poisonous, especially the leaves. Botanists say today’s climate also doubles the toxicity of flowers and leaves. If a horse accidentally eats about 30 plant leaves, it can die within 24 hours. Alari’s venom has the power to reduce heart function, eventually leading to cardiac arrest. The toxins it contains can damage the lungs and liver, affect the blood clotting system, cause breathing problems, and even cause liver bleeding. Its toxicity is only about one-third slower than potassium cyanide. Buttermilk or lime juice can be tried as first aid for patients who have accidentally ingested Alari.