Medieval times extracts used for gout, rheumatism, skin disorders and malaria. In ancient Greece used for woulds, jaundice and intoxication (Dioscorides).

Wink, Michael & Ben-Erik van Wyk (2008). Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World. Timber Press p.73

Wood is hardest of British trees. Used in rulers, musical instruments, inlay since ancient Egyptians (combs, flutes, furniture, lyres)

Mabberley, D.J. (1997) The Plant Book, ed.2, Cambridge University Press p.110

The use of box to make topiary hedges and sculptures 'is said to have originated with an acquaintance of Julius Caesr'.

Montague-Drake, Blair. (1977). A Biblical Herbal. Earth Images, Australia. p.35

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the leaves and bark.

Plants for a Future (2015) at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Buxus+sempervirens

Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation. Ingestion causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Poisonous to animals.

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

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