What Are The Health Benefits Of Bayberry (Myrica)?

 

Table Of Contents
History of Bayberry (Myrica)
Health Benefits of bayberry (Myrica)
Side Effects of Bayberry (Myrica)

This post will provide information on "What are the health benefits of bayberry (Myrica)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: Where does bayberry come from? Why do people burn bayberry candles at Christmas? Where did the bayberry candle tradition originate? Is bayberry a berry? What is bayberry herb used for? What are bayberry leaves? How do you harvest bayberry root bark? Is bayberry a word?
History of Bayberry (Myrica)

Another name for bayberry is wax myrtle. The women would gather bushels of bayberries and then boil them to let the waxy substance from the berries seep out. The early American Colonists found the Bayberry tree growing throughout the East in sandy coastal areas from New England to Florida. Initially, Bayberry was used medicinally only in the South, where the Choctaw Indians boiled the leaves and drank the decoction as a treatment for fever. During the early 19th century, Bayberry root was used for colds, flu and other infectious diseases in addition to diarrhea and fever. The dried berries were even put in broth and used as spices. The leaves were infused like tea. Folk medicine says that Bayberry stimulates lymphatic drainage and encourages the healing of mucus membranes. Contemporary herbalists recommend using the herb externally for varicose veins and internally for diarrhea, dysentery, colds, flu, bleeding gums, and sore throat. They say it is excellent to use in the early stages of infection, as it contains myricitrin, which exhibits antibiotic activity against a wide range of bacteria. They are simple and fragrant and make a real nice hostess gifts during the holiday season. Folklore says that if you light a brand new bayberry candle on Christmas Eve you will have health, wealth, and prosperity for the new year.  You absolutely must burn it all the way down to the bottom. The legend of the bayberry candle says that “A bayberry candle burnt to the socket brings food to the larder and gold to the pocket.”
Health Benefits of bayberry (Myrica)

 
It is used in the treatment of colds
It is used in the treatment of diarrhea
It is used in the treatment of nausea
It is used in the treatment of sore throat, when used as a gargle
It is used in the treatment of vaginal discharge, when used as a douche
It is used in the treatment of skin ulcers and wounds, when applied to the skin
Side Effects of Bayberry (Myrica)

Bayberry is considered unsafe when taken by mouth. Bayberry can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. It also contains a cancer-causing chemical.