Poinsettias are not Poisonous.

I'd heard years ago the poinsettias are poisonous when ingested by pets. I bought a couple of beautiful plants last week and thoroughly lectured both my cats of the dangers. I don't keep any other real plants in my house, and I knew they would be nosy. Within an hour I had to chase Salem away from the plant several times. Luckily he scares easily. Well, this morning there are pieces of poinsettia all over the floor. It looks as if a little mouse chewed upon the leaves, or my ginormous cat. So I did a little research and found that this is just one of those of wives tales. Phew...... Poinsettias have never been reported to cause anyone or any animal to fall ill.

Other interesting myths debunked that I found:
*Suicides do not increase over the Christmas holidays.
*Sugar does not make kids hyperactive.
*Douching with Coca-Cola is not an effective contraceptive method.
*Not wearing a hat causes one to lose excessive body heat. (try telling this to your Grandma).
*Eating at night makes you more likely to pack on the pounds.
*There is no cure for a hangover that consistently works.

Source: British Medical Journal's annual Christmas issue, Los Angeles Times 2008