Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Coriaria myrtifolia

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: This plant is toxic in its entirety, particularly the berries and seeds, which can cause severe poisoning, including in children. Never mistake the black fruits of redoul with edible berries when foraging in natural environments. Internal use is strongly discouraged without supervision by a qualified healthcare professional trained in plant toxicology. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets, especially during the fruiting period.

Dried leaf powder — Leaves

Artisan use in tannery (non-food)

The leaves were dried and ground into coarse powder to be macerated with hides for tanning. This preparation pertains to technical and artisan use, with no connection to internal or external bodily use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction for textile dyeing — Leaves and young twigs

Traditional dye bath

Leafy twigs were brought to prolonged boiling in water to obtain a dye bath for textile fibers. This preparation is exclusively for artisan purposes and must under no circumstances be ingested or applied to the skin. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Redoul grows spontaneously in garrigue landscapes, ravines, and waste ground along the Mediterranean coast; it is neither cultivated nor sold in herbal shops due to its recognized toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The leaves, the only part occasionally mentioned in ancient artisan uses, were traditionally harvested in spring and summer, well before the formation of the toxic fruits.

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