Family Name: N.O. Myricaceae
Botanical Name(s): Myrica cerifera
Popular Name(s): Candle Berry, Waxberry, wax Myrtle, Tallow
Shrub
Parts Used: Root bark, leaves and flowers
Habitat: Bayberry is found in eastern parts of North America and
is widely cultivated in Europe and in the British Isles also.
Description: Bayberry is an evergreen slender tree with varied
heights in different region. In the Southeast USA, it grows to a height
of about 35 feet. But in other parts of USA, the plant may be as small
as 3 feet. The leaves too vary and may have a length of 1 to 4 inches
and give fragrant odour when crushed. The flowers are yellow in colour
and appear in spring and produce nutlike fruits thickly covered with
wax.
Uses: Bayberry is useful in diarrhoea, jaundice, etc. The
powdered bark of the plant is used as a stimulant to indolent ulcers and
it excites coughing too. The decoction is an excellent wash for the gums
and is useful to cure chronic inflammation of the throat, leucorrhoea,
uterine hemorrhage etc.
