Bayberry
Scientific names: Morella cerifera, Myrica cerifera, Myrica pumila, Morella caroliniensis, Myrica pensylvanica, Morella pensylvanica, Myrica caroliniensis, Myrica heterophylla
Family: Myricaceae
Alternate names: 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
Actions: Analgesic, Antianaphylactic, Antiandrogenic, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antidepressant, Antifungal, Antihypertensive, Anti-inflammatory, Antilipemic, Antineoplastic, Antioxidant, Antiplasmodial, Antipyretic, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, ATP synthesis inhibitory, Bronchodilating, Hepatoprotective, Insect repelling, Melanin synthesis inhibitory, Nitric oxide
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.
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.
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.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
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.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- 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.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Bayberry interacts with any medicines. Before taking Bayberry, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Bayberry contains chemicals called tannins. These tannins have a drying effect on the skin.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 13/10/2020 02:23:49. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
