Asparagus Posted February 25, 2003 Report Share Posted February 25, 2003 Here's a warning for all of you strange people out their trying to grow strange plants in their homes. Beware of urushiol . It is the oleoresin that causes people to react to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. This resin is also present in mango peels, cashew and brazil nut shells, and the sap, bark, etc. of the Japanese lacquer tree. As far as I know this is not common knowledge, at least it wasn't to me before I started to grow cashew trees in my house. I ended up with a brutal rash all over my face and body. The worst part of it was that I didn't figure out what it was for a week so I was continuously spreading the stuff onto myself. This was all cleared up by a nasty little pill called Prednazone. No sleep to be had while taking this stuff. It doesn't seem to pose a problem if the shells are dry, and I, myself, have never had a reaction to mangos or lacquered furniture. Hopefully no one will ever have this problem. Now you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phunky Cauldron Posted February 25, 2003 Report Share Posted February 25, 2003 Thanks for the advice...that one goes into the "Things to never try" vault. Well, I hope you're still able to have a good birthday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyberHippie Posted February 25, 2003 Report Share Posted February 25, 2003 Wow! A cashew tree would be awsome! Too bad it has such a negative side effect... I got Poison Ivy real bad when I was at Osweego. Since I didn't realize what it was I managed to spread it all up my legs and torso. It REALLY SUCKED! Now that I've experienced Poison Ivy, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (not that I have many). I never knew an itch could be so bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcane Posted February 26, 2003 Report Share Posted February 26, 2003 If it's of any use to you, I have heard of someone developing a sensitivity to mango peels. Not the pulp, just the peels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcane Posted February 26, 2003 Report Share Posted February 26, 2003 A well-known fact (but I'll spew it anyway): Never, EVER, burn poison ivy, even it's been dried out for years. The smoke will carry the irritating oil--which can stick around in dried plants for a hundred years or more--into your lungs. You think it's bad on your *skin* ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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