Myrica cerifera (Bayberry, Wax Myrtle, Candle Berry, Waxberry)

Family: Myricaceae

Habitat/Botanical Description: A branching shrub that grows up to 12 feet in height. The stems are covered with a grayish bark. Leaves are glabrous, cuneate-lanceolate, petiolate, pale in color, shiny and resinous. Flowers are white and clustered enclosing a black kernel. The root is curved and covered with a thin, gray, mottled epidermis with slight transverse fissures. Inner bark is red brown in color.

Part Used: Bark of the root

Active Constituents:

Flavonoids, gums, phenols, resins, tannins, triterpenes (myricadiol, taraxerone, tarxerol)

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, mucolytic, stimulant

Medicinal Use:

Myrica is used to treat inflamed and edematous tissues of the upper respiratory tract. Specifically, the astringent reduces mucus production and reduces inflammation in mucus membranes while restoring normal tone and function to the tissues. This means it is effective when used with patients with long standing congestion like allergies and sinusitis. It is also effective for treatment of pharyngitis and gingivitis. Best results are obtained when the herb touches the tissues as a gargle or inhalent. It may also be used in conditions where ulceration is present. It will stimulate healing and normal function of the tissues.

The bitter action of Myrica helps to stimulate digestion and secretion of digestive enzymes and elimination processes.

Contraindications: None

Toxicity: None

Drug Interactions: None

Pharmacy:

Powdered Bark: 1 – 4 grams TID

Tincture (1:5): 3 ml TID, maximum 60 ml week

Specific Tincture: 2 – 5 drops daily