Bayberry

Botanical

What is it

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera, also called wax myrtle or southern bayberry) is a shrub whose bark and root have been used in traditional Eclectic and Appalachian herbal medicine, particularly for inflammation, diarrhea, and sore throat.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Diarrhea / sore throat (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Astringent tannins support traditional use for mild diarrhea and throat irritation. Modern clinical evidence is essentially absent.

How it works

Bayberry bark contains tannins (astringent), triterpenes, and flavonoids. The tannin content underlies its traditional use as an astringent for diarrhea, throat irritation, and topical wound care. Laboratory studies show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Modern clinical evidence is limited; most knowledge is traditional. Bayberry was a popular Eclectic medicine herb in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional doses are 0.5-2 g of dried bark as a decoction, or 0.5-1 ml of tincture, 2-3 times daily.

When and how to take it

WHEN: 2-3 times daily during use; not for long-term continuous use. HOW: As tea or tincture with water; separate from iron-rich meals/supplements.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried bark / decoction

Traditional preparation.

Tannins extracted by simmering.

Tincture

Common commercial form.

Alcohol-based extract.

Safety

Generally safe in traditional doses for short-term use. Side effects can include GI upset and (with excessive tannin intake) constipation. Allergic reactions are possible.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Caution with iron deficiency anemia (tannin-iron binding). People with chronic GI conditions should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Tannins may reduce absorption of iron, calcium, and certain medications. Theoretical interaction with anticoagulants.

Frequently asked questions

Is bayberry the same as bay leaf?⌄

No. Bay leaf comes from Laurus nobilis and is a culinary herb. Bayberry is Myrica cerifera, a medicinal shrub used for entirely different purposes.

References

Bayberry on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bayberry on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bayberry (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.