Ban on Oleander flowers in Kerala

Context

Two Kerala government-run temple boards, responsible for 2,500 temples, have stopped using oleander flowers in offerings. 

• This decision has been taken after a 24-year-old woman died from chewing oleander leaves accidentally.

About Oleander flowers

• Nerium oleander is  commonly known as oleander or rosebay.  
• Other name: In Kerala, the plant is known by the names of arali and kanaveeram
• This plant is cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
  • Different oleander varieties have flowers of various colors.
• Medicinal Use : In proper doses, it can strengthen and speed up heart contractions.
• Features
  • Unique feature: It is well Known for its drought tolerance feature.

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Traditional medicine

API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) mentions oleander root bark oil for skin diseases.

• • The plant has been “frequently described in Brihattrayi, Nighantus and other classical Ayurvedic texts. 
• Charak Samhita: White flowered oleander leaves are prescribed externally for chronic and severe skin diseases, including leprosy.
• Bhavaprakasha: Describes oleander as “visha” (poison) but also indicates its use for:
  • Vrana (infected wounds)
  • Kustha (skin diseases including leprosy)
  • Krimi (microbes and parasites)
  • Kandu (itching)

Reason for Oleander’s toxicity:

• The reason for oleander’s toxicity is due to the presence of cardiac glycosides throughout the plant. These chemicals, including oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, have strong effects on the heart.
  • Cardiac glycosides:These are steroidal compounds that can impact heart muscle function.