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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].

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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'.
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