Shop Bayberry Bark for Infections, Circulation, and Other Benefits

the name of the genre mirica comes from the Greek prefix myri-, meaning “many”, as in “myriad”. This many-branched shrub produces a profusion of small flowers, which mature into waxy gray berries (actually nuts). the name of the species Pennsylvania refers to the region of eastern America where this shrub was first identified. Bayberry flourishes in barren, sandy soils of eastern coastal regions and inland prairies that extend from southern Canada to Virginia and parts of North Carolina.

Hardy and aromatic, the bayberry grows from three to twelve feet tall, with numerous grayish-white branches, bearing many glossy leaves. Male catkins appear in early spring, usually before new leaves. Small clusters of yellowish flowers are closely spaced along soft stems below the outer leaves, blooming from April to July; the hairy, green, berry-like fruits, clustered along the middle branches, ripen to a smooth, waxy grayish-white in late fall and winter. Many people collect the waxy berries to make scented candles.

The leaves, bark, twigs, and fruits of the bayberry have various medicinal uses, as do its close relative, the candle berry, M. cerifera (wax myrtle), and sweet gale, mr mange. They all have aromatic qualities, especially in their leaves, which have small sebaceous glands on the underside. It is sometimes difficult to tell the species apart because the leaves and growth habits are so similar.

Traditional uses:

The Creek and Seminole Indians used myrtle in some of their “spiritual ceremonies” and carried the fragrant leaves and twigs as preventative medicine to ward off disease. Louisiana Choctaws cooked the leaves and twigs in water to lower fevers, as did Houma; Many tribes also used aromatic bayberry decoctions to bathe skin irritations and sprinkle them inside their houses to counteract sadness. In addition to valuing bayberry leaf decoctions for skin irritations, the Lumbees chewed the fresh roots to relieve stomach aches and ulcers. The Micmacs and other Northern Algonquian peoples used dried powdered bayberry leaves as snuff to treat headaches and nosebleeds.

Astringent and aromatic myrtle leaf tea that serves as a stimulant and to treat postpartum pain. The pounded root bark was boiled and made into a poultice to treat toothaches and applied to wounds and bruises to reduce infection and inflammation. Many tribal groups used the fresh fragrant twigs as chewing sticks and toothpastes to massage gums and clean teeth. Some Great Lakes Indians used the fresh branches as an insect repellant and dried the branches to burn as an insecticidal stain.

Modern uses:

Today, bayberry root bark infusions are used to increase circulation, stimulate perspiration, soothe sores, and fight bacterial infections. Bayberry’s astringent qualities help relieve intestinal problems and ulcers and, when gargled, help relieve sore throats. The leaves, fresh or dried, are used to make pleasant teas and food seasonings. The leaves are also used as insect repellants.

Deposits:

The wax and essential oil can be toxic to people with sensitive skin. Do not use during pregnancy.

Growth and Propagation Needs:

Bayberry will grow well in poor sandy soil and sun to open shade. Will tolerate moist, murky soils. Blooms in full sun. The plants can be grown from seed, but the best results are obtained from root cuttings and young cuttings grown from the mother plant.

Plant new bayberry plants, or their roots or seeds, in early spring or fall. Young bushes should be cut back after planting and watered, because the new root systems often have a hard time supporting all the foliage and branches. Myrtle bushes require very little attention or maintenance after this initial stage. Their hardy, classic shape and fragrance make them desirable garden plants, widely grown and used in herb gardens.

Companions:

Bayberry will grow well with yarrow, plantain, betony, strawberry, and blue flag, among many other herbs. Ferns also grow well under or near bayberry bushes, especially sensitive and king ferns. Various mosses also grow well under the bayberry, especially haircap moss.

Once a man dreamed of seeing a plant, called by the Delaware “frost” or “ice grass”. He heard a voice tell him, “I am strong and big. Stronger than any other plant because I stay green longer in the fall. Use me and I will make you strong.” The man went out and obtained a specimen of the plant for his medicine pack.

-Gladys Tantaquidgeon, medicine woman of Mohegan