Bayberry | Health Benefits and Uses of Bayberry

Digestive Health Support

Bayberry (Myricetin) background and Benefits

Bayberry is a common name for all plants in the Myrica genus, which contains up to 50 species. Myrica cerifera is one of the most well-known members of this genus, with additional common names that include candleberry, southern bayberry, southern wax myrtle and tallow shrub. Bayberry has many uses in gardening, herbal medicine and candle making.

Myrica cerifera originates from North America, primarily its eastern coast. Its natural range extends as far south as Central America and as far north as New Jersey. Bayberry can grow quickly in a variety of conditions and is frequently one of the first trees to colonize an area. The most likely places to find bayberry are in wetlands near rivers.

The most valuable part of the bayberry tree in herbal medicine is the root bark. It contains many biologically active compounds such as triterpenes, flavonoids, phenols and tannins. The triterpenes in bayberry extract primarily include myricadiol as well as taraxerone and taraxerol. Myricetin is a flavonoid in bayberries that is specific to this genus.

The most significant biochemical action of myricadiol is its effect on potassium and sodium levels. Myricetin is primarily beneficial for its antibiotic properties. Health supplements typically provide myricetin in the form of dihydromyricetin.

Uses of Bayberry (Myricetin)

The health benefits of bayberry are primarily due to its astringent effects. These uses include the support of the digestive system and respiratory system as well as healthy inflammation management and menstrual health support.

Respiratory support

Bayberry extract’s astringent properties may help to manage respiratory signs, especially coughing.

Healthy inflammation management

The tannins in bayberry extract may help to support healthy inflammation management. This effect is most useful for conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Digestive health support

The properties of bayberry extract may help to manage conditions of the digestive system. They may be caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Menstrual health support

Bayberry may help to manage menstrual symptoms such as excessive bleeding and other types of uterine discharge.

Signs You May Need Bayberry (Myricetin)

Infections of the digestive tract typically produce some of the most common signs that you might benefit from bayberry extract. These signs primarily include chronic gastritis and diarrhea, but digestive infections may also cause colitis and nausea. Internal inflammatory conditions may benefit from bayberry, especially if they affect the digestive tract. Respiratory signs such as coughing, sinusitis and throat infections may indicate that you need bayberry extract. Menstrual signs may also benefit from bayberry.