Bayberry Herb

Bayberry, also known as Candleberry or Wax Myrtle prefers to grow in wet areas and is known for its waxy fruit which fragrant candles were made from. The branches and leaves of the Bayberry can be placed in camping tents to repel biting insects.

Depending on the location the Bayberry plant can grow a mere 3 feet high to 35 feet in more southern locations of the United States. Yellowish flowers bloom on the Bayberry plant which produces a fruit with a nutlike quality that is covered in wax. This wax is used in candles as well as medicinally.

When crushed the leaves are pleasantly fragrant as is the candles made from the Bayberry Wax.

Bayberry Tea

A tea can be made using 1 teaspoon of dried Bayberry root bark to 1 pint of boiling water and steeped for 10 minutes. The tea is very bitter tasting and a tincture might be preferred.

Bayberry Uses

Bayberry tea or tincture can be used to aid in bacterial and viral forms of diarrhea as well as other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Bayberry is often used as a form of natural antibiotic to strengthen the immune system in fighting viral and bacterial infection.

The wax from the Bayberry fruit can be boiled in water to melt the wax which then floats to the top separating from the fruit. It can then be made into aromatic candles; however, the wax is very brittle.

Bayberry Folklore

Bayberry is said to promote good fortune and draw money. It is believed that by rubbing some dried Bayberry on money it will multiply.

Bayberry Herb Cautions

Bayberry may interact with certain drugs including anti-coagulants, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics. As with any herbal supplement please discuss the use of herbs with your health care provider before beginning an herbal program.

When using Bayberry to treat diarrhea caution must be used as too much Bayberry tea can also cause diarrhea as well as a host of other problems such as low blood pressure, vomiting and kidney irritation; adding milk to the tea may help counteract these conditions.