-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Myrica cerifera (Wax Myrtle, Bayberry)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Myrica cerifera

synonyms: wax myrtle, bayberry, candleberry, tallow shrub, vegetable

tallow, waxberry

part(s) used: bark

qualities:

affinities:

actions: stimulant, astringent, diaphoretic

dosage:

» powder: 1 - 4 g.

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

» internal: coughs, colds

» external: as poultice for sores and ulcers

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1

toxicity: 1

» contraindicated in severe inflammation of an acute nature on mucosa such as in the gastrointestinal tract due to its local stimulant properties (Brinker, Felter and Lloyd)

» studies performed of extracts obtained from the tannin-rich bark have suggested that Myrica cerifera bears a co-carcinogen (Keeler and Tu, p. 265)

» wax may induce irritation and sensitization (Duke, pp. 317-318)

constituents: triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, resins and gums

footnotes

Brinker F. 1989. To Health With Herbs (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics. vol. I, Alstat E (comp.)), Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Keeler, R.F., and Tu, A.T. 1983. Handbook of Natural Toxins. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.