1012. Bayberry Bark

Nomenclature

Candleberry bark; myrica; myrtle wax; berry wax; tallow shrub.

Description and references

Dried root bark of Myrica cerifera L., Myricaceae. Habit. Maryland to Florida, west to Texas and Arkansas. Constit. Acrid and astringent resin, myricic acid, tannin, red coloring matter, gum, starch. Bayberry wax consists of palmitic, myristic and lauric acid esters.

Therapeutic Category

Astringent; emetic.