Biochemical Information: Volatile oil, starch, lignin, albumen, gum, tannic and gallic acids, acrid and astringent resins, an acid resembling saponin. Also contains Myricitrin, an active antibiotic.
Background:
Gather root bark in the fall. Cleanse it thoroughly and while fresh separate the bark with a hammer. Dry the root completely and keep in a dry place; when dry enough to pulverize do so and store in a dark glass or pottery sealed container.
A most versatile herb, this native North American is highly regarded by practitioners. Nineteenth century physicians prescribe a hot tea of powdered bayberry tree bark at the first sign of a cold, cough, or flu.
Wax of the berries is used to make fragrant candles. To obtain the wax, boil the berries in water. The wax floats to the surface and can be removed when hardened.
Dosage:
Tea: steep 1 tsp. in 1 pint of boiling water for 30 minutes. Use as a gargle for sore throat or for chills (drink 1/2 cup warm every hour until relief).
Extract: mix 10-20 drops in juice or water.
Mouthwash: gargle with liquid mixture made of extract or powder as needed.
Powder: mix 1/2 to 1 tsp. in 1 cup warm water.
Tincture: 1/2 to 1 tsp. is taken in a small glass of water, 2 or 3 times daily.
Externally: rub liquid mixture on varicose veins or hemorrhoids as needed.
Applications: A tea of Bayberry root bark was used as an astringent and emetic for chronic gastritis and diarrhea. Used as a mouthwash for sensitive gums and sore mouth. It improves circulation and is a remedy for alimentary conditions, excessive menstrual bleeding and uterine discharge. Powdered root bark was an ingredient in what was known as "composition powder", widely used for, laryngitis, colds, flu, sinusitis and asthma
Bayberry is excellent as an emetic after narcotic poisoning of any kind. It is good to follow the bayberry with lobelia.
Description:
Coarse, stiff, shrub or small, slender, tree; to 3-8 feet. Bark is brownish-gray and smooth; leaves narrow at the base. Young branchlets waxy. Leaves oblong to lance-shaped, 1-4 inches long, reduced at the tip of the branches, often sparingly toothed, dark green and shiny above, paler and sometimes hairy beneath; leathery, evergreen, with waxy globules. Flowers appear in early spring, March and April, before or with the new leaves. Fruits, borne against the stems, 1/8 inch across. The green berries are covered, when mature, with a pale blue, lavender or grayish-white aromatic wax in microscopic rounded particles used in making candles which burn with a pleasing fragrance. Bayberry needs lime free soil.
Safety:
Wax is irritating. Constituents of the wax are reportedly carcinogenic. Avoid in very hot temperatures. Avoid if hypertensive.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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