Myrica cerifera   Bayberry Bark, Wax Myrtle Bark   Family: Myricaceae     
The wax from the berries has been used for making candles, and it is an ingredient of Bay Rum, for the hair.  
PART USED: Root-bark- collected in autumn
TASTE: Astringent and bitter   ODOR: Slightly aromatic
ACTIONS- Often used for coughs and colds
GROUP: The Skin; Mucous Membranes- Astringents
1. Astringent.[1]
2. Circulatory stimulant.[1,2,4]
3. Mucous membrane stimulant. Astringent.[4]
4. Parturient.
5. Diaphoretic-[1,4] mild.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Catarrhal conditions especially mucous colitis. Diarrhea.[1,2] Colds.[1] Catarrhal deafness. Sore throat-[1,2] infusion as gargle.[1]
2. Bleeding: Parturition. Uterine hemorrhage. Menorrhagia. Uterine prolapse. Leukorrhea.- infusion as douche.[1] Bleeding gums.
3. Goitre.
4. Jaundice and Liver disturbances
5. Skin Ulcers.
6. Catarrhal conditions anywhere.
7. Polyps.
8. Fevers.
Local- Indolent ulcers- topical application of the powdered bark.[1] Poultice for ulcers and sores.[4]
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Mucous colitis.[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Diarrhea, use with Quercus.
- Often administered with Capsicum, Zingiber, Clove.
PREPARATIONS 3X/day
Powdered Root-bark  0.6-2 g.[1,2] Powdered bark 1-4 g.[4]
Infusion/Decoction  0.6-2 g[1] in 12-40 ml water.
Fluid Extract  1:1 in 45% alcohol,[1,2] 0.6-2 ml. 2-4 ml.[4]
Local- Douche. Mouthwash. The powder as snuff or as a skin application. [1,2]

DESCRIPTION: Shrub or small tree growing to 10 m high, native to North America. A coastal plant, it produces clusters of small wax covered berries. The bark occurs in short quilled pieces about 2 mm thick, with a white, peeling outer layer covering a red-brown, hard inner layer. The fracture is granular.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally
Constituents
Myricinic acid-[4] an astringent resin. Red colouring matter.[4] Gallic acid.[4] Tannic acid.[4] Volatile oil.[4]
Triterpenes, cinlcuding taraxerol, taraxerone and myricadiol.[1] Flavonoids, such as myricitrin.[1]
Tannins, phenols resins and gums.[2]
Myricadiol has some mineralocorticoid activity, and myricitrin is bactericidal and spermatocidal.[1]
The tannins and phenols extracted from the bark have been reported to exert carcinogenic activity in rats when given by injection,[3]] however whether this applies to oral or topical administration is not known, phenol and tannis by these routes also have reported antitumour promoting actitity.
References
[1] Paul, B. D. et al. (1974) J. Pharm. Sci. 63, 958
[2] Encylcopedia of Common Natural Ingredients used in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, Albert Y. Leung. Pub. John Wiley & Sons Inc (1980) NY
[3] Yoshizawa, S. et al. (1987) Phytother. Res. 1. (1), 44
[4] British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1983 Published by the British Herbal Medicine Association ISBN 0 903032 07 4.