BAYBERRY
Myrica cerifera
L. Astringent, cholagogue, choleretic, diaphoretic, emetic,
febrifuge, hemostatic, hepatic, stimulant, tonic.
Parts Used:
Berries, roots, bark, leaves.
Historical Uses:
The Bayberry is best known for its berries, from which a wax is
derived to make fragrant Bayberry candles.
In folk medicine it has been used internally as a tea for its
tonic and stimulant properties.
It has also been used in the treatment of diarrhea,
liver and biliary tract ailments. The
plant is astringent, which may account for this latter use along
with its use for topical wound healing.
Myricitrin, a compound of Bayberry, has choleretic activity, stimulating
the flow of bile.
It has been used as a home remedy to treat the common cold and
nasal congestion.
The dried root is reported to have febrifuge properties.
Externally, it has been used to treat wounds and bruises and as
a gargle for spongy gums.3
Contraindications:
Any use should be avoided during pregnancy or in cases or heart
disease.
Bayberry should not be used over a prolonged period. Avoid exceeding
dosage.
Adverse reactions:
Prolonged and daily use of this plant can lead to irritation of
the kidneys or may cause gastric irritation.
Dosage:
10 to 40 drops three times per day.
References:
The Lawrence Review of Natural Products; Alma R.
Hutchens, Indian Herbalogy of North America; Dr John R. Christopher,
School of Natural Healing; Dr Eugene C. Watkins, Get Well with
Natural Remedies. S. Talalaj & Dr A.S. Czechowicz, Herbal
Remedies Harmful and Beneficial Effects, Hill of Content, Melbourne,
1989.
