Spontaneous combustion is a myth. But this popular garden plant really does sting. Traces last for years.
Author: prepared by MCD • Source: Rynek Zdrowia, Medonet.pl • Published: August 6, 2025 9:17 PM • Updated: August 7, 2025 4:55 AM
It blooms from May to September, making it a popular choice for gardening enthusiasts. However, it must be handled with care, as it can cause severe burns on sunny days.
- It is believed that, like the biblical burning bush, the plant can catch fire, but it will not do so on its own.
- On sunny days it can burn you.
- Wounds heal slowly and skin changes may persist for a long time.
The aromatic perennial dittany, sometimes called Moses' bush, is increasingly found in allotment and home gardens due to its ornamental value. It can reach up to 120 cm in height.
Diptam contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties:
and essential oils:
- limonene,
- cymol,
- estragole,
which may cause burns.
A common myth holds that dittany, like the biblical burning bush, can ignite. However, this is only—let us repeat—a myth. Botanists, however, assure us that it won't do so spontaneously. However, there's a grain of truth to this—as the ChilliZet website writes—dittany is flammable.
On sunny days , the autumn-leaf dittany releases photosensitizing substances that can burn the skin if the faded plant is touched with bare hands . It can be especially dangerous for children and pets who enjoy playing among the lush vegetation in the garden.
The burn can be painful and may be accompanied by blisters and extensive redness. Worse still, the wound heals slowly, and the skin lesions can remain visible for years . Therefore, it's best to wear gloves and pants that cover your legs when doing any gardening.
What to do if you get a burn? Treatment is similar to that for radiation burns, such as sunburn .
As the guides say:
- it is good to wash the wound itself with cool water (this will also wash away the juice from the plant),
- Cold compresses, agents containing panthenol or painkillers (creams, ointments, etc.) will also help.
When making compresses, it is worth using herbs with pain-relieving, but also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, such as:
- chamomile,
- St. John's wort,
- calendula (you need to prepare a herbal infusion and, after cooling, apply it to the wound).
Aloe vera also works well topically.
The burned area should not be exposed to sunlight; in fact, it should be protected from sunlight. It's also best to avoid hot baths and cosmetics with a high pH.
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