Mezereum. Mezereon. The dried bark of Daphne Mezereum, or Mezereon; Lin. Syst., Octandria monogynia; or Daphne Laureola. The Spurge Laurel. The latter is chiefly found in commerce; indigenous.

Description. Thin, flat, or curled pieces of various lengths; tough, of a brown colour outside, but white and fibrous within, with slight odour, taste hot and very acrid.

Prop. & Comp. An acrid volatile oil, acrid resin, and a crystalline principle, daphnin. When the root is boiled in water, an acrid vapour rises.

Off. Prep. It is contained in Decoctum Sarsae Compositum.

Therapeutics. Mezereon is a powerful local irritant, and even vesicant; it causes vomiting and purging in large doses, but in small ones, diaphoresis and diuresis. Used in chronic rheumatism, syphilis, scrofulous and skin diseases. Seldom given in this country, except in the compound decoction of sarsaparilla. In America an ointment is used.

Dose. Of compound decoction of sarsaparilla, 1 fl. oz. to 2 fl. oz. or more.