Bayberry as an Herb

(Myrica cerifera)

The wax of Bayberry was first introduced into medicinal use by Alexandre in 1722. It is removed from the berries by boiling them in water, on the top of which it floats. Candles made from it are aromatic, smokeless after snuffing, and very brittle.

An old Christian tradition is to burn a bayberry wax candle on Christmas day until it burns itself out in order to bring good luck.

Bayberry is a bitter, astringent and aromatic herb that stimulates circulation, increases perspiration and controls bacterial infection.

Medicinal Uses of Bayberry

The health benefits of the bayberry plant can be derived from either bayberry extract or a capsule form, or from bayberry tea.

Bayberry, taken in small doses, can increases the vitality of your total body systems and improve circulation. It can also be used as a poultice over varicose veins to strengthen the blood vessels. It is an excellent wash for the gums. Tea made of Bayberry is a good gargle for sore throat and tonsillitis.

Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.

Externally, the powdered bark is used as a stimulant to inactive ulcers, though in poultices it should be combined with elm. An infusion of the bark is used as a skin lotion (astringent), and in the bath.

Recently, bayberry has also been used to make a fractionated extract, which is patented for the removal of cellulite. The patented extract used for the removal of cellulite uses the bark, leaves and flowers for extraction.

A douche made of the tea is used for vaginal infections. Bayberry bark is also used in a douche formula to treat vaginal infections:

Douche 2 times a day for 2 weeks with 1/2 teaspoon Myrrh, 1/2 teaspoon golden seal simmered for 5 minutes in one pint of water. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of bayberry bark and steep until warm.

As an insect repellant, the bark is used by the Swedish and Welsh as a strong decoction to spread on baseboards in spring to kill insects and vermin. Leaves are used to prevent moth and other insect damage in woolen clothing and the Potawatomi of North America placed it on fire to make a mosquito repellant.

Culinary

Bayberry Tea
In bayberry tea, usually the leaves, and sometimes the bayberry root or root bark is also used. Drinking bayberry tea can help with inflammation of the gums and throat, helping to directly treat sore throats or mucus buildup.

Other culinary uses are not recommended or all that safe.

Cautions

Bayberry powder causes sneezing and coughing.

Avoid eating parts of the bayberry plant. Its high tannin content may cause stomach irritation and liver damage.

Be aware that this herb may cause weight gain, high blood pressure, water retention, and body salt imbalances.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.