Knowledge is the best means of prevention, and numerous field guides can provide information about poisonous plants in your area. Learn the names of local poisonous plants and how to identify them. That means leaves, seeds and berries in addition...
Before you set off on your trip, take the time to become familiar with the vegetation found on your route. Buy a small book that lists the names and photos of toxic plants. Mark the pages of plants that grow in the region of your backpacking trip...
Delicate, luxuriant ferns add a tropical look to your home. To a young child, though, ferns may look tempting to touch or taste. Unfortunately, some species are toxic or can cause dermatitis on contact. Choosing only non-toxic fern species will...
Houseplants may be pretty and colorful, inviting to both children and pets. While there are many house plants that are non-toxic, others are quite dangerous to ingest. Never have a houseplant that is poisonous in reach of pets or children. While...
Poisonous herbs contain toxins that can make you ill or cause death, even in small amounts. There are approximately 750 plant toxins, according to the 2008 book "Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World" by biologist Michael Wink and...
Growing a plant from a seed brings your child closer to nature. Children who are exposed to the sprouting and growth stages of developing plants may continue to enjoy plants and eventually garden on their own. Whether you live in the country,...
During the warmer months of the year, many people head out of doors for exercise. Walking, hiking and running in natural environments are good ways to build stamina, enjoy nature, and get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life....
Burdock is a plant that has been used medicinally as an herb, but it is also eaten as a vegetable in some areas of Europe and Japan. Although it has been used for a variety of ailments, including kidney stones, infection, fever and skin problems,...
Children do not mind getting dirty when spending time outside. Planting seeds with your child is a great way to spend quality time together. You can teach her how plants grow and why it is important to protect the environment. If you plant edible...
Poison sumac, along with related plants such as poison ivy and poison oak, contains a skin-aggravating oil known as urushiol. Found on the plants' leaves, stems and even roots, when urushiol touches the skin, allergic contact dermatitis occurs....
Rashes are common in childhood, and they can either be benign or highly contagious, spreading from person to person. Most rashes will itch, will become red, and some can even give rise to blisters and open sores. Knowing which rash the child has...
Children are often attracted to the interesting shapes and bright colors of blooming flowers. While exploring the backyard flower garden or examining the flower arrangement on your dinning room table, curiosity may get the best of your child and...
You work hard to have a lovely garden full of interesting edible and inedible plants. Your child most likely finds your garden area interesting. Where you see beautiful plants, she sees colorful berries that look similar to food she eats inside...
A blister is a collection of fluid under the upper layers of the skin. Blisters are commonly circular in shape and are filled with serum, the clear fluid that leaks from damaged blood vessels. Whether blisters itch or not is an important clue in...
Itching skin and skin irritation may begin as a tingling or slight discomfort that causes the urge to scratch, MedlinePlus says. There are several causes of this condition that are generally mild in nature and often require little more than a cold...
Native to the Mediterranean, saffron is a orange-yellow spice commonly used as both a food additive and as a medicinal treatment. Traditionally, saffron has been used to alleviate menstruation discomfort, mood problems and muscle spasms. More...
Hiking can be an enjoyable, adventurous and educational activity. However, if you do not take the proper precautions, it can become quite dangerous. This is true for experienced hikers as well as those who are walking a trail with young children.
Yucca plants can be toxic if they are not cooked properly. Many plants contain linase, which can become hydro-cyanic or prussic acid under certain conditions, and some plants even have a high enough dosage to be lethal. Once the root is heated...
Poison oak is a plant that is native to the West Coast and Southern sections of the United States. The plant grows in either a shrub or vine formation; its yellow or green flowers may include white berries . Poison oak leaves contain an oil called...
A hike can invigorate the mind and body, but some people end up with blotchy, red ankles for their efforts. Most cases of red blotches around the ankles after hiking result from exposure to certain types of plants and insects. Fortunately, most...
Many herbs have medicinal value and can benefit humans, but there are certain herbs that may be unhealthy, or even fatal. Over millennia, herbs have developed defensive chemicals to protect themselves from predators. Some of these chemicals may be...
Skin rashes appear in response to a variety of triggers. Allergies, infections and environmental irritants are usually the culprits behind these often red, bumpy skin conditions. You can treat many of these rashes at home without spending money on...
Every region in the world contains plants that are poisonous to human beings. A good field guide can help you spot poisonous plants in your area and recognize the signs they exhibit. For example, foxglove can be recognized by the purple or white...
Environmental irritants, food allergies and contact with poisonous plants can cause rashes in people of any age. Children, with their sensitive skin, may find the itchy, red bumps to be a major irritation. If you would rather treat your child's...
Hydroponic gardening is a popular past time and an effective way for those who do not have arable land to gain the satisfaction and enjoyment that come from growing their own vegetables. The main challenge for the grower in hydroponic gardening is...
Although people react differently, exposure to poison sumac often causes an allergic reaction resulting in a rash called contact dermatitis. The culprit is oil within the plant called urushiol. In most cases, a poison plant rash subsides over...
Arnica montana, an herb that also known as wolf's bane, leopard's bane and mountain arnica, is not safe for anyone, including pregnant women, to take by mouth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Arnica is also used as a...
Nail ridges are raised lines that typically run vertically across the fingernail or toenail. Although they usually develop in adulthood, they can appear in people of all ages, even babies. They often are not a cause for concern, but they can...
Poison oak is a plant that is identified by three leaves. In most cases the middle leaf is the longest. It can grow as a vine or a shrub. In some areas the plant may have yellow or green flowers and clusters of green-yellow or white berries. The...