Oh heck no @igorsMistress - I would melt!
@Elyrian1 & @jerryse I think you're right on the wild parsnip!
I read this & laughed:
'The essential oil of parsnip roots contains a large percentage of Myristicine, a strong human hallucinogen.'
& then I read this & cried:
'While wild Parsnip roots are edible, the plant produces a compound in its leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits that causes intense, localized burning, rash, severe blistering, and discoloration on contact with the skin on sunny days. This condition, known as phytophotodermatitis, is caused by furanocoumarin contained in the sap. This is not an allergic reaction, it is a chemical burn brought on by an increase in the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Affected areas can remain discolored and sensitive to sunlight for up to two years, similar to but not as severe as contact with giant hogweed. This reaction is not brought on by contact with the foliage of the plant, only by contact with the sap.'
I will never pull a weed that I don't know what it is again that thoughtlessly, I had no idea such things were possible. It itches like crazy & bothers me during the night, but thankfully it's not nearly as bad as it could be!
@Elyrian1 & @jerryse I think you're right on the wild parsnip!
I read this & laughed:
'The essential oil of parsnip roots contains a large percentage of Myristicine, a strong human hallucinogen.'
& then I read this & cried:
'While wild Parsnip roots are edible, the plant produces a compound in its leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits that causes intense, localized burning, rash, severe blistering, and discoloration on contact with the skin on sunny days. This condition, known as phytophotodermatitis, is caused by furanocoumarin contained in the sap. This is not an allergic reaction, it is a chemical burn brought on by an increase in the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Affected areas can remain discolored and sensitive to sunlight for up to two years, similar to but not as severe as contact with giant hogweed. This reaction is not brought on by contact with the foliage of the plant, only by contact with the sap.'
I will never pull a weed that I don't know what it is again that thoughtlessly, I had no idea such things were possible. It itches like crazy & bothers me during the night, but thankfully it's not nearly as bad as it could be!