Some people say ragwort is a poison to animals, yet others say it has medicinal qualities. Who's right?

Question

Some people say ragwort is a poison to animals, yet others say it has medicinal qualities. Who's right?

Answer 1

both... depends on the quantity

Answer 2

Both are right, think of it like botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous proteins in the world, but used in small amounts it can alleve head aches, lift tired face muscles (well paralyze) decrease sweating.

So ragwort would be deadly if ate raw, but once it is processed it would be safe to use.

Answer 3

Both. Poisonous plants and medicinal plants are very often the same thing, depending on dosage. That's what differentiates medicinal plants from food plants.

Answer 4

Medicinally it is used externally - never internally  and yes it is poisonous to animals

From medieval times to the mid 20th century, Ragwort was used against inflammations of the eye, for sore and cancerous ulcers, rheumatism, sciatica and gout, for painful joints.

According to some, it would relieve the pain of bee stings.

All applications should be outward only, never internally, and only under professional supervision.

Answer 5

bad news for horses,pull it up and burn it.

Answer 6

Its poisonous to animals-my dad is a farmer, and always removes the ragwort in his fields where his cattle are kept

Answer 7

it is poisonous to cattle and horses

the caterpillars of the cinabar moth eat ragwort

Answer 8

I know its poisonious to horses

Answer 9

it's definitely poisonous to donkeys