BAYBERRY

Latin Name: Myrica cerifera

Alternate Names: Wax Myrtle, Candleberry, Katphala (Sanskrit), Tallow Shrub

Family: MYRICACEAE

Parts Used: Root, bark.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Circulatory Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Sialagogue, Stimulant.

Internal Uses: Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds, Colic, Colitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, Fever, Flu, Irritable Bowel, Laryngitis, Leukorrhea, Mucus, Parasites, Scarlet Fever, Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Typhoid, Uterine Hemorrhage

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Bayberry stimulates lymphatic drainage and encourages the healing of mucus membranes. It is excellent to use in the early stages of infection, as it contains myricitrin, which exhibitis antibiotic activity against a wide range of bacteria. 

Topical Uses: Bleeding Gums, Leukorrhea, Sinus Congestion, Sore Throat, Spongy Gums, Toothache, Varicose Veins

Topical Applications: Use in tooth powder for bleeding or spongy gums. Gargle for sore throat. Use as a poultice on sores. Douche for leukorrhea. Powder is used as a snuff for sinus congestion. Chew bark for toothache. Apply a compress for varicose veins. Wax from berries is used in soap and cosmetics and is also used to make candles. Berries are used in Bay Rum, aftershave and hair tonic

Culinary uses: Berries are used to season meat.

Energetics: Pungent, Warm.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil, triterpenes (taraxerol, taraxaxerone, myricadol), flavonoids (myricitrin), phenols, starch, myrica wax (palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid) lignin, albumen, gum, tannins, gallic acid.

Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy. Not for excessively hot conditions such as inflammation. Large doses may be emetic and aggravate flatulence. 

Comments: Bayberry is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern part of the United States. The wax from the berries was once collected to make candles and soap. The extract attracts male Mediterranean fruit flies, which may be important as a natural pest control.