BAYBERRY
[60-6]
(A once a year product)
Myrica cerifera
Bayberry bark is an important stimulating tonic, astringent herb.
It helps tighten tissues including the organs, skin and digestive tract.
Bayberry has an antibacterial action as well that makes it good for treating
minor infections. It can be made into a tea or diluted tincture for topical
use or as a gargle.
The tea has also been used as a douche for various minor female problems.
It is contraindicated for active inflammations. Herbalist Steven Home reports
using the powder (snuffed up nose) for sinus congestion.
He says that it is immediately effective but produces a temporary flash
of blinding pain.
Bayberry was an important part of Samuel Thompson's herbal "Composition
Tea" formula for colds, flu and fevers.
NSP used to market this formula as HCP-X.
Bayberry is used for diarrhea.
It contains myricitrin (an antibiotic chemical) to kill bacteria and also
astringent tannins to shrink tissues.
