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Bayberry
Myrica cerifera
Myricaceae
Citations
Names : Candleberry, Waxberry, Wax Myrtle.
Habitat : Native to the USA but widely cultivated in Europe and the
British Isles.
Collection : Thee root should be unearthed in spring or autumn and its
bark pared off and dried.
Part Used : Bark of root
Constituents : o Triterpenes, including taraxerol, taraxerone and
myricadiol
o Flavonoids such as myricitrin
o Miscellaneous tannins, phenols, resins and gums
Actions : Astringent, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic.
Indications : As a circulatory stimulant, Bayberry plays a role in many
conditions when they are approached in a holistic way. Due to its
specific actions it is a valuable astringent in diarrhoea and dysentery.
It is indicated in mucous colitis. As a gargle it helps sore throats and
as a douche it helps in leucorrhoea. It may be used in the treatment of
colds.
Priest & Priest tell us that it is a Positive diffusive stimulant -
arouses circulation and eliminative organs. It is for heavy catarrhal
states of mucous membranes, removing thick and viscid secretions from
the G-I tract. It has a positive influence upon the uterus and the
venous system. They give the following specific indications : colds and
acute febrile conditions, prolapsed uterus, leucorrhoea, atonic
vaginitis, nasal polypi.
Ellingwood considered it a specific stimulating astringent indicated
where ever there is excessive mucous discharge. For atonic or persistent
diarrhoea and locally for bleeding gums. In addition he recommends it
for the following pathologies : dysentery, stomatitis, nasal catarrh,
measles and scarlet fever, convulsions, jaundice.
Kings Dispensatory describes it as an astringent and stimulant, and as
such is valuable in debilitated conditions of the mucous membranes; in
higher doses, it is apt to occasion emesis. It was largely employed by
the followers of Samuel Thomson, in catarrhal states of the alimentary
tract. The bark has been successfully employed in scrofula, jaundice,
diarrhea, dysentery, aphthae, and other diseases where astringent
stimulants were indicated. Specific Myrica, in small doses (2 to 5
drops) will be found a good stimulant to the vegetative system of
nerves, aiding the processes of digestion, blood making and nutrition.
In larger doses (5 to 20 drops) it is a decided gastric stimulant. In
small doses it has been found advantageous in chronic gastritis, chronic
catarrhal diarrhoea, gastro-enteritis and in dysentery having a typhoid
character. It is said to restore arrested lochia discharges. Cases
calling for myrica show feeble venous action, while the pulse is full
and oppressed. It is not adapted to acute disorders of the alimentary
tract, as a rule. A weak infusion used as an injection, is an admirable
remedy in amenorrhea and atonic leucorrhoea. In scarlatina in the latter
stages,when the tissues are swollen and enfeebled it may be used both
for its antiseptic and stimulating effects.The powdered bark, combined
with bloodroot, forms an excellent application to indolent ulcers, and
has likewise been employed as a snuff for the cure of some forms of
nasal polyps. In the form of poultice, with elm or alone, it is a
valuable application to scrophula tumours or ulcers. The decoction is
beneficial as a gargle in sore mouth and throat, and is of service in
injection, in leucorrhea and fistula, and also as a wash for ulcers,
tinea capitis, etc. It also forms an excellent gum wash for tender,
spongy, and bleeding gums. The leaves are reputed astringent, and useful
in scurvy and spasmodic affections.
Combinations : As a digestive astringent it may be used with Comfrey
Root and Agrimony. For colds and fevers combine with diaphoretics such
as Pleurisy Root.
Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put l teaspoonful of the bark
into a cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Leave for l0-l5 minutes.
This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take l-2 ml of the
tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
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