Synonyms in a broader sense
protected, very poisonous! Latin name: Daphne mezerum Folk name: Poison berry, wild Spanish pepper, pepper bush Family: Mezereum family
Plant description
Usually small, rarely tall, grey-brown shrub. In early spring the shrub blooms before the leaves develop. The bright red sessile flowers are dense and have a pleasant scent.
Afterwards the longish leaves unfold, with entire margins. The flowers develop into bright red berries. Flowering time: February to March Occurrence: Shady places on brook banks and forest edges. More frequent in the south of Europe than in the north. Everywhere under nature protection!
Medicinally used plant parts
The bark, rarely also the berries
Ingredients
The glycoside daphnin with the ingredient daphnetoxin a corrosive pungent, sitosterol and resin.
Effect and application
Daphne should not be used because of its toxic irritants. Also homeopathic dilutions should only be used after consultation with a doctor.
Application in homeopathy
The homeopathic mezereum is extracted from the bark, which is collected before flowering. The remedy is suitable for skin inflammations with blistering and severe itching with a tendency to scab and pus formation. It is also often associated with severe nerve pain such as shingles and inflammation of the facial nerves. Mezereum is especially suitable for crust formation and itching, aggravation by cold but also in bed warmth. A feeling of cold in the affected skin areas is typical.
Side effects
Daphne is very poisonous. All parts of the plant cause severe irritation and blistering on the skin. After eating the red berries, the stomach, intestines and kidneys are strongly affected.
Diarrhea, vomiting and burning in the mucous membranes occur. In case of suspicion, consult a doctor immediately!
