Bayberry
OTHER NAME(S): Árbol de Cera, Arbre à Cire, Candleberry, Cirier de Pennsylvanie, Myrica, Myrique de Pennsylvanie, Southern Bayberry, Southern Wax Myrtle, Tallow Shrub, Vegetable Tallow, Wax Myrtle, Waxberry, Morella cerifera, Myrica cerifera, Myrica pumila, Morella caroliniensis, Myrica pensylvanica, Morella pensylvanica, Myrica caroliniensis, Myrica heterophylla, Candle-berry, Myrique De Pennsylvanie, Árbol De Cera
Overview
Bayberry is a shrub that grows in Texas and the eastern US. The root bark and berries are used to make medicine.
Despite safety concerns, bayberry is used for colds, diarrhea, nausea, skin wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In manufacturing, the wax extract taken from the berries is used in fragrances and candles.
Bayberry contains chemicals called tannins. These tannins have a drying effect on the skin.
Bayberry contains chemicals called tannins. These tannins have a drying effect on the skin.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Colds.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Fever.
- Sore throat, when used as a gargle.
- Vaginal discharge, when used as a douche.
- Skin ulcers and wounds, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of bayberry for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Bayberry is considered POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Bayberry can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe. It might cause irritation.
When used as a gargle: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe or what the side effects might be.
When used as a douche (vagninally): There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Bayberry is considered POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Bayberry can cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe. It might cause irritation.
When used as a gargle: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe or what the side effects might be.
When used as a douche (vagninally): There isn't enough reliable information to know if bayberry is safe or what the side effects might be.
Bayberry may NOT be safe for anyone, but it is especially risky for people with the following conditions:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Bayberry is considered POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take by mouth or apply to the skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding because it contains a chemical that can cause cancer. Bayberry can also cause nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
High blood pressure: Bayberry contains large amounts of chemicals called tannins. Tannins can increase the amount of sodium that the body retains. This can cause extra fluids to build up, and that can raise blood pressure. It's especially important to avoid bayberry if you have high blood pressure.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Bayberry overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of bayberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bayberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Jacinto, C. M., Nelson, R. P., Bucholtz, G. A., Fernandez-Caldas, E., Trudeau, W. L., and Lockey, R. F. Nasal and bronchial provocation challenges with bayberry (Myrica cerifera) pollen extract. J Allergy Clin.Immunol. 1992;90(3 Pt 1):312-318.
- Prince, H. E. and Meyer, G. H. Hay fever from Southern Wax-Myrtle (Myrica cerifera): a case report. Ann Allergy 1977;38(4):252-254.