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Information about the herb Bayberry
Myrica cerifera, also known as Candle Berry is part of the Eastern North America near the Atlantic Coast and on the shores of Lake Erie plant family.
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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
History: The wax was first used medicinally in 1722
Plant Constituents of Bayberry
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
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]
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
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.
