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Information About The Herb Bayberry
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General Information
Botanical Name: Myrica cerifera, Myrica communis, Myrica pensylvanica
Common Name: Candle Berry, Myrica, Tallow Shrub, Waxberry, Wax Myrtle
Plant Family: Myricaceae
Origin: Eastern North America near the Atlantic Coast and on the shores of Lake Erie
History: The wax was first used medicinally in 1722
Contains:
- acid similar to saponin
- acrid and astringent resins
- albumen
- extractive
- gallic acid
- gum
- lignin
- red coloring substance
- starch
- tannic acid
- volatile oil
The Wax consists of the glycerides:
- stearic acid
- palmitic acid
- myristic acid
- oleaic acid
Medicinal Parts Used: The dried bark of the Root, the Wax
- The leaves were used by Venus to make her more seductive
- The oil of Bayberry would bring prosperity and luck
- The tree was sacred to Venus and was an emblem of love used in love potions
Bayberry is commonly used for:
Female Conditions
- leucorrhoea
- uterine hemorrhage
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- canker of the stomach and bowels
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- internal ulcers
Glandular Conditions
- scrofula
- Liver Conditions
- jaundice
Respiratory Tract Conditions
Tea made of Bayberry is a good gargle for:
- sore or inflamed throat
- tonsillitis
Oil:
- internal antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
Bayberry, taken in small doses:
- improves circulation by increasing the vitality of all the systems of your body
and is therefore beneficial for:
- chills
- clamminess
- coldness of the extremities
especially when combined with Cayenne
Externally it can be used:
- as a douche made of the tea for vaginal infections
- as a poultice on varicose veins to strengthen the blood vessels combined with Slippery Elm
- for old ulcers
- to beautify the skin
Other
- makes one more amorous
Other Uses:
- an ingredient of Bay Rum hair lotion
- in the manufacture of soap
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- cordial [invigorating, stimulating medicine, food or drink] corrective [restoring to a healthy state]
- deobstruant [an agent that clears away obstructions by opening the natural passages of the body]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- emetic [an agent that causes vomiting] (in large doses)
- sialagogue [an agent that stimulates the secretion of saliva]
- slightly narcotic [a drug which relieves pain and induces sleep when used in medicinal doses; large doses of narcotics produce convulsions, stupor, insensibility, coma or death]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Bayberry without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if your taking any of the following medications:
- None known
Global Herbal Supplies has Bayberry available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
