Witnessed by: Western
Bayberry (Myrica cerifera), of the Myricaceae family. Aromatic evergreen shrub bearing wax-coated grey berries; native range: coastal plains, dunes and pine barrens of eastern North America. Globally recognized as wax myrtle; candleberry; southern bayberry in English. The part used is root bark. Gritty, astringent bark with a spicy pungent tang and a bitter, tannic, mouth-puckering finish.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BAYBERRY
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- bayberry
- Scientific name
- Myrica cerifera L.
- Family
- Myricaceae
Form
- Part used
- root bark
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- astringent · pungent · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- warm (drying)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- mucous membranes · circulation
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- astringent, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, tonic
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid large doses in acute inflammatory or feverish heat
- Toxicity
- large doses are emetic; the high tannin may unsettle a sensitive stomach
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