Daphne gnidium Daphne gnidium: Thymelaea, Flax-leaved Daphne, Coccum Cnidi, Granum Cnidi

Daphne gnidium
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

Daphne gnidium Dioscorides Materia Medica, Mathias, 1563

Daphne gnidium Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Daphne gnidium
J. Sibthrop, J.E. Smith, Flora Graeca, vol. 4 (1823)

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Botanical name:

Daphne gnidium

Parts used:

Seed (leaf also)
The bark is used similarly to Daphne Mezereon.

Temperature & Taste:

Hot, dry. Pungent. Toxic

Uses:

1. Clears Damp, Purges Water:
-serious cases of Edema in strong individuals; Ascites:
-purges water through the bowels

2. Externally:
-Kills Lice
-used as a vesicant
-topically to Cancer, Lupus

Dose:

Boiling lessens their virulence
Of the Seed: 3 can be taken as a dose. Wirtzung (1598) said “The ancient Physicians were want to give 7 or 8 seeds of it, wrapped up in a green Fig or Date. but experience does teach us, that 3 of the seeds are sufficient enough to purge the body”.
Leaf in decoction: 300–600mg (traditionally 10–12 grains) will purge and sometimes vomit.

Comment:

1. The seed of this variety of Daphne is used, the bark of Mezereum (D. mezereum) and Laureola (D. laureola) are used; the leaves of the different species have also been used on occasion. All parts share similar effects.

Main Combinations:

Major Formulas:

Ointment of the Resin of Daphne Gnidium
  Lard                                       10 oz.      
  White Wax                             1 oz.
  Resin of Daphne Gnidium  ½ dram
Strongly rubefacient.

Cautions:

1. Highly irritant. Avoid overdose. Moderate doses may induce diarrhea and vomiting.
2. Not used in Pregnancy, the very young, old, or weak

Main Preparations used: