Blood poisoning and blackthorn

Kayleigh · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:46 PM

On last nights programme of gardeners world, they are helping a couple with a young child to create an organic garden.

One of the gardeners on there said Blackthorn is not recommended for use in gardens as the thorns can give you blood poisoning.

I planted 3 last year

luckily I have not been pricked yet. Has anyone else heard of this.

Meta menardi · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:58 PM

Blackthorn scratches and punctures will almost always turn septic, but not to any very serious extent. When I used to go hedge-laying, you always had red spotty hands and the odd eruption where you got Blackthorned. It isn't really serious, but as it does go deep a tetanus jab is a good idea if you are not up to date.

Crowman · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:59 PM

Kayleigh.........I work as a self employed gardener and get pricked by all sorts of thorns.

Some would say that Rose thorns are the worst.

I have never had a problem.

I think that the problem is when a thorn pricks you, it transfers the germs(already on the skin) into your bloodstream.

A bit like being vaccinated I suppose.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:59 PM

Thanks for that. These TV gardeners like to scare people. Don't they.

Wild-Woman · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:00 PM

Never heard of it Kayleigh but then the thorns are very long and could easily penetrate deeply. I've been scratched by them plenty of times but never very deeply-thank goodness! My Dad (God bless him) stood on one on the Isle of Wight many years ago-it went right through his shoe an into his foot. I can remember the yell!

Kayleigh · #6 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Never heard of it Kayleigh but then the thorns are very long and could easily penetrate deeply. I've been scratched by them plenty of times but never very deeply-thank goodness! My Dad (God bless him) stood on one on the Isle of Wight many years ago-it went right through his shoe an into his foot. I can remember the yell!

Ouch..

They are quite strong especially when they have been cut.

Meta menardi · #7 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:06 PM

Check out message #9 on this thread. It was new to me, but see my post #8.

Blackthorn?

Kayleigh · #8 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Check out message #9 on this thread. It was new to me, but see my post #8.

Blackthorn?

I have been reading that thread, but missed this bit. At least it might warn people at least to respect it.

Cheryl · #9 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:31 PM

I don't know about Blackthorn Kayleigh but when I'm out walking with my children I always tell then to mind the gorse - I seem to recall news reports of peoples' adverse effects to gorse scratches.

shei111 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 05:57 PM

Yes kayleigh I heard that too on gardeners world, but when my son was about 8 yrs old he got a huge blackthorn in the side of his foot.

The dr told me just to leave it because it will come out when its ready that there was no concern, believe it or not it did come out but it was 19 months later

and very messy, infected and very painful

So maybe there not so good to be planted where children play

sheila