Bayberry is a shrub that grows in the eastern United States as well as Texas. Traditionally, the bark of the plant have been used to make medicine.
Bayberry has been used traditionally for a variety of health reasons including relieving a head cold, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), diarrhea, and nausea. If taken in large amounts it can cause vomiting.
Bayberry has also been used to stimulate the circulatory system, relieve sore throat, and as an ointment to provide relief for skin ulcers and wounds.
Scientific name:
Morella cerifera
Parts of the plant used:
Bark is the most commonly used part
Other names for this plant include:
– Wax murtle
– Waxberry
– Candleberry
– Tallow bush
– Vegetable tallow
MEDICINAL USES
Eliminates toxins from the body
– Historically has been used for heart, lungs, and digesetive tract
– For the heart it is believed to increase circulation
– For the digestive tract promotes healthy breakdown and absorption of nutrients
Warms the body
– If a slight increase in body temperature is needed this has been used
– At early signs of infection (e.g. cold, respiratory infection) when trying to stimulate the immune response it can be used
Promotes reproductive health:
– Acts on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
– Believed to promote blood flow to the uterus
Relieves lympathic congestion:
– Bayberry can help promote lympathic flow to assist the immune system in fighting virus and bacterial infections
Herbal Pharmacy Recipes:
Decoction – 1 or 2 teaspoons per cup, simmer 10 to 12 minutes covered; 2-4 cups per day
Oil – ½ teaspoon to swollen lymph glands or canker sores, 1 to 2 times daily
Tincture – 1 dropperful, 1 to 3 times per day
Harvesting
This shrub reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet. The leaves will release a fragrance when picked. The bark has a gray tone to it and when peeled back will reveal a dark fibrous inner layer.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Heart, Herbal Pharmacy, Inflammation, Plant Medicine