- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Coastal areas of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Myrica cerifera (Morella cerifera)
North America · Herb · № 169
Morella cerifera
Herb · North America
Wax myrtle (bayberry)
Morella cerifera
The root bark was traditionally used for colds, sore throats and diarrhoea. There is no modern clinical evidence.
Safety notes
May cause stomach upset and vomiting. Avoid in pregnancy or with high blood pressure.
Preparation
The root bark as decoction or gargle; the berry wax for candles. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
New England settlers boiled the berries to make fragrant candles. Samuel Thomson used the root bark in his well-known 'Composition Powder'. Ody describes it as an old American cold remedy.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Stimulating, astringent, induces sweating.
Preparation and amount
Bark.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Astringent, stimulating, cleansing, tonic; breaks up mucus build-up, improves circulation, warms the body at the start of a cold, promotes menstruation, stimulates the lymphatic system, for mouth ulcers.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, 10–12 min, 2–4 cups a day; oil: ½ tsp on swollen lymph nodes or mouth ulcers 1–2 times a day; tincture: 1 dropperful 1–3 times a day.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Abundance, prosperity.