Daphne Mezereum

Daphne mezereum, commonly known as Mezereon, is a deciduous flowering shrub from the Thymelaeaceae family. It’s native to most of Europe and Western Asia, extending as far north as Scandinavia and Russia.

Parts Used:

Bark

Description:

This shrub typically grows up to 1.5 meters tall. Its soft leaves are arranged spirally on the stems and appear after the flowers. Blooming in early spring, the plant produces fragrant, pink or light purple flowers (occasionally white) directly on bare branches, before the leaves emerge.

The fruit is a bright red berry, measuring 7–12 mm in diameter. While visually attractive, the berries are highly poisonous to humans, though fruit-eating birds like thrushes safely consume and disperse the seeds. The plant thrives mostly on limestone-rich soils, especially at medium to high altitudes in southern Europe.

Toxicity:

Daphne mezereum is considered highly toxic due to compounds like daphnetoxin and mezerein, particularly concentrated in its berries and twigs. Ingesting the plant can cause symptoms such as a choking sensation, and handling fresh twigs may trigger skin rashes and eczema in sensitive individuals. Despite its toxicity, it's still grown in gardens for its beautiful spring flowers.

Therapeutic Uses:

Historically, Mezereon was used to treat conditions like rheumatism and indolent ulcers, but its internal use is no longer considered safe due to its potent toxicity. Research (as of 1995) explored its potential anti-leukemia effects.

Medicinally, the bark is known to be:

• Cathartic (promoting bowel movements)

• Diuretic (increasing urine production)

• Emetic (causing vomiting)

• Rubefacient (producing redness of the skin)

• Stimulant

• Vesicant (blister-forming agent)

The root bark holds the most medicinal value, though stem bark is also used. Traditionally, an ointment made from the bark was applied to stubborn ulcers and rheumatic joints, but only externally — and never on broken skin.

The fruits have occasionally been used as a strong purgative. Daphne mezereum also found a place in treating various skin ailments and inflammations.

Dr. Mattei notably included Mezereon in his ‘CANCEROSO’ group of medicines, claiming benefits in treating persistent skin disorders, gout, tumors, and even cancers.