In May this year, Alappuzha-based Surya Surendran had lost her life after she mistakenly ingested poison from an Arali (Oleander) flower in her courtyard. According to police reports, the poison from the plant caused the 24-year-old a cardiac arrest. Considering that the pink-coloured flower was commonly used in temples for pujas and widely for various other requirements, many were shocked to learn about its adverse effects. The Travancore and the Malabar Devaswom Boards also went on to ban the use of the flower in temple offerings. Now, the UAE has also banned the use of the flower, reports Manorama Online. As per reports, those trying to sell or use it can invite huge penalties. The flower was popular in the UAE for Onam celebrations, floral carpet making and religious ceremonies.
Why is arali dangerous?
According to experts, the flower has the name 'kaajamaaraka' in Sanskrit, which means it is dangerous enough to kill a horse. Interestingly, all parts of the plant, especially its leaves, are poisonous. Botanists say that today's climate also doubles the toxicity of the flowers and leaves. If a horse mistakenly eats around 30 leaves of the plant, it can die in 24 hours. Arali's poison has the power to slow down cardiac function, eventually leading to cardiac arrest. The toxins in it can also damage the lungs and liver, affect the blood clotting system, cause breathing issues and result in liver bleeding. Its poison is just around one-third slower than potassium cyanide. Buttermilk or lime juice can be tried as a first aid to patients who mistakenly consume arali.