
Herb. No. 063 · Apocynaceae
Mediterranean and West Asian watercourses; a freeway shrub in warm climates.
Native · Mediterranean · West Asia
Oleander
Nerium oleander
A freeway-median flower whose leaves can stop a heart — including as a 'tea' in folklore that should have died.
Handle as a poison-garden specimen. See Safety before any use.
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides related to, but not the same as, digitalis. Internet 'oleander tea' for cancer is a recurring cause of ICU admissions. Inhaling smoke from burning the shrub is also dangerous. Honey from the flowers has poisoned historically. Know it, do not brew it.
Flavor
Do not taste.
Parts used
None for self-care.
In favor
- Teaches that pretty landscaping can be deadly
Against
- Fatal tea
- Toxic smoke
- Toxic honey in theory