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Oleander Herb - Uses And Side Effects

A popular ornamental shrub native to the Mediterranean region, oleander (Nerium oleander) grows widely throughout the southern and southwestern United States and California. Reaching about 20 feet tall, it has long, narrow, pointed leaves and produces small clusters of red, pink, or white blossoms.

Herbalists around the world use oleander's active components, obtained mostly from the leaves. For example, in Curaqao, the sap is applied to warts, added to beverages, and used to treat pinworms, tapeworms, and other worm infections. In Venezuela, people boil the leaves and inhale the steam to treat sinus problems. Some people use oleander leaves as poultices for skin problems and to kill skin parasites or maggots in wounds.

Despite this long history of medicinal use, you should avoid oleander-it's highly poisonous. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and other animals. Children should be cautioned against eating the leaves and flowers. Prunings and dead leaves should be kept away from hay or other animal feed. The wood should not be used for barbecue fires or skewers.

Common doses of Oleander

Oleander comes as a tincture and leaf extract. Experts disagree on what dose to take. More importantly, the herb is poisonous and shouldn't be taken internally.

Uses of Oleander herb

Oleander has been used medicinally since Roman times, and was considered an important remedy in Arabic medicine. The leaves contain compounds that boost the force of the heartbeat while slowing its rate. Specifically, oleander may help to :-

• Asthma
• Cancer
• Corns
• Heart problems
• Menstrual problems
• Seizures
• Skin problems
• To cause vomiting
• To induce abortion
• To repel insects and parasites
• To stimulate bowel movements

Side effects of Oleander

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of oleander

• appetite loss pulse
• bloody diarrhea
• nausea
• depression
• seizures
• dizziness
• severe airway irritation (from smoke inhalation)
• drowsiness
• enlarged pupils
• skin irritation
• fainting

All parts of the oleander plant are toxic. Adults and children have died after eating the flowers, leaves, and nectar and after using oleander twigs as skewers to roast foods. People also have died after using oleander rectally. Smoke from burning oleander wood and water in which the plant has soaked can be toxic.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use oleander while taking digoxin.

Important points to remember

• Don't use oleander in any form because it's extremely poisonous.
• If you decide to use oleander or keep it around, make sure to store it safely away from children, pets, and livestock. Label it clearly so you don't take it accidentally.
• Don't burn oleander branches or leaves, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
• Be aware that someone who ingests oleander will need to have his or her stomach pumped, will receive drugs to cause vomiting and soak up the poison, and may need drugs to help the heart keep working properly.

What the research shows

According to medical experts, oleander is simply too poisonous to take for any purpose. What's more, no scientific studies support its use.

Other names for Oleander

Other names for oleander include adelfa, laurier rose, rosa francesa, rosa laurel, and rose bay.