Bayberry - Uses & Side Effects

Scientific Name(S): Myrica cerifera L. Family: Myricaceae

Common Name(S): Bayberry, wax myrtle plant

Bayberry is a traditional folk medicine herb derived from the bark of a small evergreen shrub that grows throughout a wide portion of the Eastern and Southern United States. Also referred to as 'wax myrtle' or 'candleberry', the Bayberry plant ( Myrica cerifera ) also produces small waxy berries that have been used since Colonial times to make fragrant candles popular at Christmas time.

Botany: The bayberry grows as a large evergreen shrub or small tree that is widely distributed throughout the southern and eastern US. It is known for its small bluish-white berries.

History: 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 and has been used in the treatment of diarrhea. The dried root bark is often used medicinally. The plant is astringent, which may account for this latter use along with its use for topical wound healing.

Uses of Bayberry

• Bayberry wax is used to make fragrant candles
• Diarrhea - Bayberry root bark contains an antibiotic chemical (myricitrin), which may fight a broad range of bacteria and protozoa. Myricitrin's antibiotic action supports Bayberry's traditional use against diarrhea and dysentery.
• Plant parts are also used to heal wounds, etc.
• Fever - The antibiotic myricitrin also helps reduce fever, thus lending credence to Bayberry's use among the Choctaw Indians.
• It can also be used as a mouthwash or gargle to prevent bad breath and as a douche to help fight a vaginal infection.

Side Effects of Bayberry

Bayberry probably should not be taken internally. Ingestion may cause GI distress. Long-term injection produced malignancies in rats.

Summary: Bayberry is best known for its use in the production of a fragrance used in the preparation of scented Christmas candles. There is little evidence to support its use for the treatment of any disease and its high tannin content suggests that it should not be taken internally in any form.