Give your pup one of these dog-friendly foods instead. This is because they contain the most concentrated amount of oxalic acid. Rhubarb is the fleshy, edible stalks of species and hybrids of Rheum in the family Polygonaceae, which are cooked and used for food. The leaves are a different story. Rhubarb contains oxalate acid which is highly concentrated in the leaves. They contain a chemical called oxalic acid which, when consumed in large quantities, can be fatal. Rhubarb contains approximately 570–1,900 mg of oxalate per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). When you eat oxalic acid in small quantities, it will probably just produce some more minor symptoms like gastrointestinal problems. Here’s what we found. Pork Loin with Strawberry-Rhubarb Chutney, 12 Major Grilling Safety Mistakes You Might Be Making, This Is How to Shred Cheese So Nothing Sticks to the Box Grater, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Rhubarb leaves are also very poisonous to cats and dogs. Oxalic acid is a natural substance found in many plants, including leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cocoa (2). Could that be true? There are very few reports of either fatal or nonfatal poisoning caused by eating rhubarb leaves. Deer too are not left out of the equation. You should never eat the leaves, roots, or any part other than the stalks. Symptoms of mild rhubarb leaf poisoning include vomiting and diarrhea that resolve within a few hours. However, there are cases of people developing kidney damage from eating high amounts of rhubarb stems, which also contain oxalic acid (7). Do you know how toxic rhubarb leaves actually are? Like most people in the Midwest, I really look forward to spring. Postmortems did not find … There are stories on the net about rhubarb leaves being eaten during the first world war and some people died from eating them. Oxalate is an antinutrient found in many plants, and has been linked with some health…. Rhubarb contains both nutrients and antinutrients. It has long fibrous stalks that range from dark red to pale green. This process can lead to kidney problems or even death. Rhubarb is poisonous. According to the post, a hard freeze drives the naturally present toxin, oxalic acid, from the leaves into the rhubarb stalks. Rhubarb leaves contain poisonous substances, including oxalic acid, which is a nephrotoxic (damaging or destructive to the kidneys) and corrosive acid that is present in many plants 2). That’s why rhubarb stems are edible, but the leaves are not. For a couple of generations we have been told that Rhubarb leaves are poisonous - but how toxic are they? Try These Sweet and Savory Rhubarb Recipes. Historically, different plants have been called "rhubarb" in English. We have lots of deer and groundhogs so I’m not sure who the culprit is but they are eating the leaves only and leaving the stalks! All rights reserved. That old wives tale is just that; a tale that is not correct. What are the Causes of Rhubarb Leaves Poisoning? The seeds of all of these fruits are not considered edible; they’re hard, bitter, and unpleasant. According to National Geographic, oxalic acid binds to calcium ions in your blood and makes them ineffective. People may have died from something else and rhubarb was blamed. Is Rhubarb Good for You? The slug feeds at night, leaving damaged stalks and occasionally affect the leaves. Examples of other soluble calcium oxalate-containing plants include: star fruit and the shamrock plant. Home Remedies for Kidney Stones: What Works? Rhubarb has a very high content of oxalic acid. A: Rhubarb leaves are toxic and humans should never ingest them. They contain a chemical called oxalic acid which, … Read about how Splendid Spoon and Daily Harvest compare and which is the better meal delivery service according to our experts. While rhubarb stalks are edible and often used in baking and other dishes, rhubarb leaves are poisonous because they contain soluble oxalic acid salts. The leaves are triangular shaped and can grow as large as 2 feet across. Research indicates that cows can feed on rhubarb leaf stalks but cannot eat the leaves as they are very poisonous. There are a number of other common garden plants that are … It’s … Filter the liquid through a sieve. During World War I, people were advised to eat rhubarb leaves as a substitute for vegetables that were unavailable at the time, leading to reports of several poisonings and deaths (3). Splendid Spoon vs. Daily Harvest: Which Is Better. This compound doesn’t just occur in rhubarb – it also occurs in lower amounts in spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. The stalks are totally safe to eat. Rhubarb plants are toxic because they contain a compound called oxalic acid. One of the most iconic spring fruits (well, technically it’s a vegetable, but we use it like a fruit) is rhubarb. Rheum rhabarbarium, commonly referred to as rhubarb, is a herbaceous perennial with fleshy red stalks and large triangular leaves. Humans have been poisoned after ingesting the leaves, a particular problem during World War I when the leaves were mistakenly recommended as a food source in Britain 3). What it does is bonds calcium in the blood to calcium oxalic which can accumulate in the chickens system. There were also reports of poisonings during the 1960s, but because it’s very uncommon to eat rhubarb leaves, there are no reports of deaths from rhubarb leaves in more recent times (5). This will prevent contamination of the leaves onto the edible portion of the rhubarb. Rhubarb. Gardeners have for this reason, traditionally used rhubarb leaves as a natural, chemical free insecticide. According to a widely circulated Facebook post launched in another state, rhubarb could become toxic (poisonous) after a frost. Although rhubarb is botanically a vegetable, it’s classified as a fruit in the United States (1). I had always been told that rhubarb leaves are extremely toxic, but my research has confused that notion! So is this sour vegetable good or bad for you? Most pets are a lot smaller than humans, so it takes very few rhubarb leaves to do damage. The leaves contain the most oxalate, comprising 0.5–1.0% of the leaf (3). © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Are Rhubarb Leaves Poisonous? Rhubarb is often sold with some leaves on the stalks; simply trim them off and discard. Or the leaves might have been sprayed with toxic pesticides which were in common use at time. Additionally, some people are more susceptible to developing kidney stones and kidney damage from oxalates. While its long, juicy red stalks can be used to make tarts, crumbles or preserves (amongst other things), rhubarb leaves are poisonous. Learn where they come from, how to prevent them, and how to remove…, The most common home remedies for kidney stones involve drinking different fluids, including just water, to help flush your stones out and prevent new…, Oxalate is a naturally occurring molecule found in abundance in plants and humans. Reasons to be Careful . Is Rhubarb Poisonous? If your patch of rhubarb freezes, the fleshy part of the plant will freeze. This means that they can be used to combat unwelcome garden pests such as aphids. Rhubarb leaves are considered inedible due to their high concentration of oxalic acid. This accumulation can lead to the formation of kidney stones and kidney failure. Katie is an Associate Editor for Taste of Home, specializing in writing and email newsletters. Recipes from real home cooks, tested in our kitchens and delivered right to your inbox! Firstly, let’s consider the poisonous nature of rhubarb leaves. If you do ingest poisonous rhubarb leaves, call a doctor or Poison Control immediately. Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning in grazing animals include diarrhea, depression, trembling, and drinking and urinating more frequently. This article is for information only. This can also lead to an accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the organs (3). Yes, the leaves are poisonous, but don't let that turn you away from this aweso... http://www.organicattitude.orgRhubarb is easy to grow, and easier to harvest. Rhubarb has been nicknamed “pieplant” because of how often the stalks are used to bake pies. Meanwhile, its large dark green leaves look a bit like spinach and are not usually eaten due to fears about them being poisonous or inedible. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. That being said, the leaves of a rhubarb plant are very poisonous to dogs. It’s not a required nutrient for people, and too much can lead to…, Your kidneys filter your blood and remove toxins from your body. Rhubarb leaf poisoning is rare There are very few reports of either fatal or nonfatal poisoning caused by eating rhubarb leaves. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Need to Know About Kidney Failure. Very serious symptoms include kidney failure, numbness, muscle twitches, and cramps. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause build up in the organs and lead to kidney stones and kidney failure when consumed in high amounts. No, the leaves of the rhubarb plant contain oxalic acid. But do avoid eating the leaves whole—even a few can make you feel sick. Chronic consumption of low doses of the leaves can be difficult to notice, but can often cause swellings in … Rhubarb Leaves Poisoning is caused by eating leaves of the rhubarb plant that contains certain toxic substances. However, the leaves of rhubarb contain oxalic acid and anthrone glycosides and are poisonous. I planted my rhubarb plants without fencing and after a couple of months of little to no munching, someone is going to town on my rhubarb leaves. When she’s out of the office, you’ll find her exploring Wisconsin, trying out new vegetarian recipes and combing through antique shops. These rhubarb recipes are ready for spring! These are often chopped and cooked with sugar due to their very sour taste. The species Rheum x hybridum is commonly grown as an edible vegetable across Europe and North America. They originate in your kidneys but can be found at any point in your urinary tract. Rhubarb is a plant that enjoys cold climates and is found in mountainous and temperate areas of the world like Northeast Asia. This article investigates the scientific evidence. This article provides all the information you need on the safety of rhubarb leaves. My question is whether these plants will come back next year as they were planted this Spring. As scary as this process sounds, don’t panic. I was always warned to stay away from rhubarb leaves because they’re poisonous. Rhubarb leaves poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of leaves from the rhubarb plant. Rhubarb is a common plant grown for edible consumption, and is also known as the pie plant. Rhubarb leaves are considered poisonous due to the fact that they contain high levels of Oxalic Acid. In the kidneys, this can lead to the formation of kidney stones and eventually kidney failure. In fact, both the stalks and leaves contain oxalic acid, but the leaves have a much higher content. Symptoms of Rhubarb Poisoning in Horses Ingestion of rhubarb leaves causes damage to the digestive and urinary systems, as the electrolyte balance in the body is disrupted and the kidneys fail. Between 5 and 15 grams can kill a person, who has the advantage of body mass over a rabbit. After a day or two, the frozen leaves and stems will become soft and blackened. Oxalic Acid is sometimes called "ethane diacid". Slugs. Slugs are rhubarb pests that are commonly found on the stalks and occasionally on the leaves. However, more research is needed (3). After all, there’s a lot to love: warm temperatures, blooming plants and—my personal favorite—spring produce. Although reports of poisoning are rare, it’s best to avoid eating rhubarb leaves, particularly if you have any condition that increases your risk of kidney stones. Rhubarb Leaves. After about one minute, turn off the heat and let the rhubarb leaves steep for 30 minutes. The leaves of rhubarb are poisonous when ingested, the stalk a culinary delight, and the roots were long revered for their medicinal properties. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Here's how diet and medications may help. It’s generally thought that this is due to the presence of a chemical compound called oxalic acid. Did you know you should never eat these foods raw? You can even enjoy them raw—but be warned, they’re very tart! Make a Natural Insecticide with the Leaves. You can even enjoy them raw—but be warned, they’re very tart! I’m in zone 6b. Most of rhubarb's oxalate is in its leaves… Ensure that young children and household pets don't consume the leaves. The large, triangular leaves contain (They are not toxic to touch). There is an old wives tale that says rhubarb that has frozen is poisonous and that you should destroy or dig up your plants to stay safe. When they can’t do their job, the body becomes overloaded with toxins. This can lead…. In addition, rhubarb that has been damaged from cold weather should not be eaten because damaged stalks may also contain this substance. That bitter flavor is… This includes people with certain genetic conditions, as well as those with existing kidney damage, a high vitamin C intake, or vitamin B6 deficiency (7, 8, 9, 10). Well, rhubarb leaves are poisonous because they have very high oxalic acid concentrations, which is poisonous to both humans and animals. Can they be added to compost? Too much oxalate in the body can lead to a condition known as hyperoxaluria, which is when excess oxalate is excreted in the urine. More serious oxalate toxicity causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting (sometimes including blood), diarrhea, and abdominal pain (3). Once rhubarb is harvested, trim the leaves off the stalks and discard them immediately. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. Yes, rhubarb leaf can be used to make an effective, organic pesticide. Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are masses made of crystals. The leaves of the rhubarb plant are perhaps the most dangerous part for your rabbits. However, when ingested in large enough quantities in small animals, it can result in poisoning in … It has also been suggested that both fatal and nonfatal rhubarb leaf poisoning may be caused by another substance known as anthraquinone glycosides — not the oxalic acid. Get…, This is an article about oxalate and its health effects. Symptoms of toxicity include mild gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as more serious problems, such as kidney stones and kidney failure. This means a person would have to eat between 5.7–11.7 pounds (2.6–5.3 kg) of rhubarb leaves for a potentially lethal dose of oxalate, depending on the concentration of oxalate in the leaf. This compound is poisonous to both us and chickens, and when digested in large amounts it’ll cause kidney failure and death. Cooking the leaves, especially by adding baking soda, apparently makes them more toxic; This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm; The poisonous substances present in the plant leaves are oxalic … A person would need to eat significant amounts of rhubarb leaves to induce symptoms, although some people may be more susceptible to developing kidney problems from oxalates. In fact, there are such high levels of oxalic acid in the leaves that it’s not safe for consumption even by humans. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. (These rhubarb recipes are ready for spring!). I was always warned to stay away from rhubarb leaves because they’re poisonous. Some sources say that it is hardly toxic, while others say it is lethal. However, rhubarb has a little bit of a shady side. Yes and no. And, if you learn how to grow rhubarb in the garden, keep Fido away from the patch. That's right, poisonous. The whole plant – a herbaceous perennial growing from short, thick rhizomes – is also called rhubarb. First, rhubarb leaves contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, making them highly poisonous to humans and animals alike. The pretty pink stalks are a delicious addition to pies, muffins, jams and more. Add the chopped rhubarb leaves and water to the pot and bring to a boil. Since the leaves of rhubarb plants are poisonous, and discarded when the rhubarb is harvested, I have not found it necessary to treat the rhubarb leaves for these holes. The toxicity of rhubarb leaves is typically not immediate in the smaller amounts of rhubarb our chickens eat. The leaves are a different story. You would have to eat several pounds of rhubarb leaves to reach a toxic level—so don’t feel like you need to toss the whole batch if tiny leaf scraps end up in your rhubarb muffins. Is rhubarb poisonous. Yes and no. Use a sharp knife to chop the leaves into small pieces. However, lethal amounts have also been reported at lower intake levels (2, 5, 6). According to Cornell University, Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is one of the plants; deer do not like to eat due to its high levels of oxalic acid. What Other Plants Are Poisonous to Chickens? Calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are the most common cause of kidney stones. You should also wash the rhubarb stalks well before preparing them to eat. Oxalate crystals can cause intense pain and irritation when chewed or swallowed. But is the rumor true? Oxalic is very toxic to dogs because they attach to calcium in the body and remove them from the bloodstream. All You Need to Know, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, What You Need to Know About Calcium Oxalate Crystals. Rhubarb contains oxalate, which causes illness or death when large quantities are ingested. The reported average lethal dose for oxalate is estimated at 170 mg per pound (375 mg per kg) of body weight, which is approximately 26.3 grams for a 154-pound (70-kg) person (4). The leaves contain soluble oxalate crystals, with less of the crystals being prevalent in the stalk. These stories may or may not be true. Animals are rarely poisoned by consuming small amounts of leaves, but in large amounts, rhubarb leaves can cause kidney failure and even death. Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2020. Reports of poisoning from eating rhubarb leaves are very rare. Organic Garden Pesticide. Did you know you should never eat these foods raw? All parts of the rhubarb plant contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals, although they are concentrated in the large leaves. But is the rumor true? Rhubarb is a soluble oxalate-containing plants contain oxalic acid and oxalate salts, and must be differentiated from insoluble oxalate plants (which are less toxic). Give your pup one of these dog-friendly foods instead. Rhubarb leaves contain high amounts of oxalic acid, which can cause health problems when eaten in higher amounts. There's no one sure way to prevent kidney stones, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Eiston / Pixabay. The stalks are totally safe to eat. Here’s what we found. For this reason, although cows can eat rhubarb stalks, under no circumstances should they be given leaves.