BAYBERRY Myrica cerifera, L.( U. S. Agricultural Department, Appalachia, 1971)
The bark is brownish-grey and smooth; leaves narrow at the base, oblong or lanceolate, 1 – 4 in. long, much reduced towards the tip of the branches, often sparingly toothed, dark green and shiny above, paler and sometimes hairy beneath. The flowers appear in early spring, March and April, before or with the new leaves. The fruits, borne against the stems. The green berries are covered, when mature, with a pale blue, lavender or greyish-white aromatic wax in microscopic rounded particles used in making candles which burn with a pleasing fragrance.
The root bark should be gathered in the fall. Cleanse it thoroughly and while fresh separate the bark with a hammer. Dry the bark completely and keep in a dry place; when dry enough to pulverize do so and store in a dark glass or pottery sealed container.
The berries or berry wax, which possess mild astringent properties, can be obtained by boiling the berries. The wax will come to the surface and can be removed when cool and hard. The fragrant wax makes a delightful scented candle, so popular at the Henry Ford Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan, U. S. A. Medicinal Part: The root bark. Solvent: Boiling water. Bodily Influence: Astringent, Stimulant, Tonic. Uses: Bayberry is considered one of the most useful in the Medical Herbal practice. Its popularity has had respect for generations.
Myrica has the most effective influence in diseased mucous accumulation of the alimentary canal, which in this morbid soil is an incubator for bronchopulmonic diseases; sore throat or scarlet fever; dysentery and symptoms such as chronic catarrhal diarrhoea, cholera, goitre, scrofula, toxic seepage from the stomach and intestinal tract, gastritis, leucorrhoea, typhoid, etc. Myrica is both a general and special stimulant to the mucous membranes, without increasing a rise in temperature; at the same time an aid for digestion, nutrition and is blood building.
For female weakness and where better contraction is indicated in the uterus, it is indispensable. This applies in cases of uterine haemorrhage whether due to miscarriage or other causes. The uterus can be packed with cotton saturated with a tea solution and will assist excessive menstruation and haemorrhage from associated functions during this time. In all haemorrhages, from the stomach, lungs, uterus, or bowels, Bayberry should be remembered. In case of coldness of the extremities, chills and influenza a compound of the following will encourage circulation and promote perspiration.
Bayberry bark( Myrica cerifera), 1 oz. Wild Ginger( Asarum canadense), ¼ oz. Cayenne( Capsicum), ½ oz.
A teaspoonful of the powdered compound to 1 pint of boiling water( sweetened with honey), taken in mouthful amounts throughout the day. Be sure to stay indoors and away from draughts as you may