Many people wonder if tree sap is poisonous. For most common trees, sap is not toxic if accidentally ingested in small amounts or if it contacts skin. While generally safe, certain tree species and situations warrant caution, which this article will explore.
Understanding Tree Sap
Tree sap is a fluid produced by plants, playing a central role in their survival and functioning. It circulates through a tree’s vascular tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem sap transports water, minerals, and hormones from roots to leaves and branches, while phloem sap carries sugars and organic substances produced during photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the tree for energy and growth. This natural fluid is primarily composed of water, sugars, minerals, amino acids, and hormones, all essential for the tree’s health and development.
Is Tree Sap Generally Harmful to Humans?
Most tree sap does not cause harm upon skin contact or accidental ingestion. The primary concern is its sticky nature, which can be difficult to remove from skin, hair, or clothing. Any adverse effects are typically a nuisance, such as attracting dirt, rather than chemical toxicity.
Specific Sap Concerns and Exceptions
While most tree sap is benign, some species can cause irritation or allergic reactions. The milky latex from certain fig species (Ficus carica) can lead to phytophotodermatitis, a sunburn-like reaction (redness, itching, blistering) when sap-exposed skin is then exposed to ultraviolet light. Similarly, the milky sap of euphorbia plants, including poinsettias, is highly irritating to skin and eyes, potentially causing burning and swelling.
Mango tree sap can also be problematic, as it contains compounds like urushiol, also found in poison ivy. Contact can cause skin irritation, including rashes and blistering. A notable exception is the manchineel tree, found in tropical regions, whose milky sap is extremely toxic. It causes severe burns, blistering, and inflammation upon skin contact, and potential blindness if it reaches the eyes. Its potency is such that even standing under it during rain can cause skin blistering.
It is important to differentiate true tree saps from urushiol oil found on plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Urushiol is an oily resin causing allergic contact dermatitis, leading to itchy rashes and blisters, but it is not a circulatory sap. For pets, while many saps are not severely toxic, some, like pine sap, can cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation if ingested or left on fur, leading to licking and further irritation.
What to Do After Sap Contact
If tree sap gets on your skin, use soap and water; though stubborn sap may require rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Oils such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or peanut butter are also effective, as they help to break down the sticky sap, which can then be washed away with soap and water. For sap on clothing, rubbing alcohol can often help.
For accidental ingestion, small amounts of common tree sap are usually harmless; rinsing the mouth with water is generally sufficient. Seek medical attention if severe symptoms develop after contact or ingestion. These include significant skin irritation such as widespread blistering, persistent burning, or swelling. Signs of a more serious allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea after ingestion, especially in children or pets, warrant immediate professional medical consultation.