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Daphne mezereum Mezereon Deciduous shrub (1 Page of 5) The Daphne mezereum plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Thymelaeaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mezereon. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Daphne mezereum Common Name: Mezereon Family: Thymelaeaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are highly toxic[7, 10, 19, 65]. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people[65, 200]. Mature Height: 1.5 Mature Width: 1.5 Habitat: Damp woodlands on calcareous soils[7, 17].
Medicinal Information: Mezereum has been used in the past for treating rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but because of its toxic nature it is no longer considered to be safe[238]. The plant contains various toxic compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, and these are currently being investigated (1995) for their anti-leukaemic effects[238, 254].
The bark is cathartic, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, stimulant and vesicant[4, 7, 9, 21, 46]. The root bark is the most active medically, but the stem bark is also used[4]. It has been used in an ointment to induce discharge in indolent ulcers[4] and also has a beneficial effect upon rheumatic joints[254]. The bark is not usually taken internally and even when used externally this should be done with extreme caution and not applied if the skin is broken[4, 21, 254]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[7].
The fruits have sometimes been used as a purgative[4].
A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[7]. It is used in the treatment of various skin complaints and inflammations[7, 9].
For further Daphne mezereum gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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