The name Ragwort refers to the flowering period around St. Patrick's Day. James on July 25th. Ragwort is also known as Jacob's wort, Jacob's ragwort, spiderwort or Hergottsnagel. It actually looks quite neat with its yellow flowers if it weren't for the pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Even small amounts can cause liver damage and, in the worst case, a risk of liver cancer.
What is poisonous about ragwort?
To date, there has been no research regarding the extent to which alkaloids accumulate in animal products such as milk. Concentrations at alarming levels have been detected in several types of imported honey.
The unborn baby is particularly at risk if home-based health teas are drunk in large quantities during pregnancy, which is confused with St. John's wort. St. John's wort, for example, contains the alkaloids mentioned above. However, just touching the plant is not dangerous.
St. James' ragwort – may be confused with St. John's ragwort John's wort
Ragwort belongs to the daisy family and blooms between July and September. It grows 30 to 100 centimeters tall and all parts of the plant are poisonous. At first glance, you might confuse St. James' ragwort with St. John's wort If you're not 100% sure: stay away!