OLEANDER FLOWERS - ENVIRONMENT
News: Why Kerala has banned oleander
flowers in temple offerings
What's in the news?
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Two temple boards in Kerala have prohibited the use
of oleander flowers in offerings.
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This decision follows the tragic death of a
24-year-old woman who accidentally consumed oleander leaves.
Oleander Flowers:
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Nerium oleander is commonly known as oleander or rosebay.
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It is a globally cultivated plant found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate
regions.
Features:
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It is renowned for its ability to withstand drought conditions.
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It is frequently used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
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It is also used for medicinal purposes.
Varieties and Names in
Kerala:
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In Kerala, locally known as arali and kanaveeram.
It is grown along highways and beaches, serving as natural green fencing.
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Different varieties of oleander exist, each with
flowers of varying colours.
Traditional Medicinal
Use:
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It is used in treatment of vrana (infected wounds), kustha
(skin diseases including leprosy), krimi
(microbes and parasites), and kandu (itching).
Why are Oleander flowers
Banned by Kerala temple boards?
Despite medicinal use,
oleander is toxic.
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This is due to the properties of cardiac glycosides (a type of chemical)
including oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, which are present in all
parts of the plant.
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Cardiac glycosides have therapeutic value in heart
conditions but have a narrow therapeutic window, leading to frequent overdose
and toxicity.
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Toxic effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting,
confusion, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death. Ingestion or
inhalation of smoke from burning oleander can also be intoxicating.
● Symptoms typically last for 1 to 3 days and may necessitate hospitalization. Fatalities are uncommon.