Re: Bayberry Question.

Bayberry or Wax Myrtle
(Myrica Cerifera; M. Carolinensis; Myricaceae)



PARTS USED:
Bark (preferably the rootbark), wax (from the berries), leaves.

THERAPEUTIC ACTION:
Astringent, tonic, alterative, cholagogue, diuretic, sialagogue, emetic (large doses), haemost styptic, vulnerary, errhine, sternutatory, discutient. Wax: mildly astringent, somewhat narcotic. Leaves: astringent, aromatic.


Bayberry and lobelia are considered by many as the most useful herbs in botanic medicine. Bayberry forms the base for the famous Composition Powder, which comes as near to being a cure-all as anything we have. It is a powerful stimulant, astringent and tonic, influencing the alimentary tract, toning and promoting glandular activity, all the while thoroughly cleansing and restoring the mucus secretions to normal function. It is an effective deobstruent, and it is a useful cleansing tonic for the liver. Its stimulant properties promptly arouse the whole circulatory system, with a persisting influence upon the arterial and capillary circulation and a toning action to the tissues. Its astringent action is very potent, yet it does not dry the mucous membranes as the inorganic chemical agents such as alum do. Bayberry is an excellent tonic for the uterus (especially during pregnancy), and is a valuable agent for arresting hemorrhage of the uterus, bowels or lungs. When used with cayenne, it is very effective in reviving the heat in the body and in inducing diaphoresis.



MEDICINAL USES:
Sore throat, cold extremities, chills, narcotic poisoning, emesis, hemorrhage (uterus, bowel, lungs), menorrhagia, leucorrhea, goiter, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers, spongy and bleeding gums, boils, carbuncles, gangrenous sores, adenoids, fevers, flu, colic cramps, jaundice, scrofula, catarrh of stomach, dyspepsia, weak digestion, sluggish liver, slow healing wounds, burns, polyps (nasal, laryngeal, uterine), sore throat, frog, thrush, trench mouth, inflamed tonsils, catarrhal deafness, alopecia (loss of hair), dandruff, tooth powder.

PREPARATION:
Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, powder, tincture. For wax, boil the berries in water; the wax will soon float on the surface and may be removed upon cooling and hardening. The wax is used as a base for astringent salves.

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