Botanical: Myrica cerifera Family: Myricaceae (myrtle) Other common names: Wax Myrtle, Candle Berry, Candleberry Myrtle, Waxberry, Southern Bayberry, Tallow Shrub, Myrica, Sweet Gale, Vegetable Tallow Sweat out a cold with Bayberry! This antibiotic tonic will help remove waste and toxins through the skin, lower fever and expel phlegm and mucus. Taken at the first sign of a cold or flu, Bayberry helps to reduce the chills, fever and discomforts at their onset. Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Vitamin Depot Online.com is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider. History: Bayberry is a North American evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves and small round berries that become encrusted with a white wax when ripe. The plant grows in poor soils, chiefly near the sea, and although it grows in many other places, the northern Bayberry (Myrica pennsylvanica) is plentiful along the New England coast. In colonial times, the berries were used extensively in candle making, and this manufacture is still carried on by New England craftspeople today. Bayberry candles burn slowly, emitting a pleasant odor. Frontier Americans valued Bayberry for its stimulating properties and combined it with other herbs to mobilize the body's energy to fight off infections and fevers. Choctaw Indians used Bayberry to treat fever, and Louisiana settlers created a remedy to treat the most violent cases of dysentery. Bayberry powder was used in snuff to clear sinuses and, it is believed, to alleviate nasal polyps. Among Bayberry's many chemical constituents are beta-carotene, B-vitamins, vitamin C, essential oils, flavonoids (myricitrin), phenol, gallic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc and tannins. Beneficial Uses: Bayberry is a fine expectorant and decongestant. It is considered a remedy for coughs, colds, and flu, especially relieving conditions where there is excess mucus, phlegm and sinus congestion. It is also helpful in healing mucous membranes, treating mucous colitis and reducing mucus in the intestines. As a diaphoretic, Bayberry promotes heavy sweating and when perspiration increases, wastes and toxins are released through the skin. Considered a warming and stimulating tonic by traditional herbalists, it was traditionally used to increase the body's "fire" and reduce excess water. It is also believed to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Bayberry has long been considered a "febrifuge" which will efficiently reduce fever. Its antiseptic qualities make Bayberry an excellent wash for the gums, a gargle for throat inflammation and a treatment for bad breath. The nineteenth century medic and herbalist, Dr. Thomson, found Bayberry to be the best remedy for canker sores he ever found and said "it cleansed the teeth and mouth, removed scurvy from the gums and removed the most offensive breath." Bayberry supports the immune system and helps the body resist disease. Its component, myricitrin, exhibits antibiotic activity against a wide range of bacteria and infection. It has been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, bowel inflammation, sore throats, canker sores in the mouth and throat, colds and flu. As a stimulant, Bayberry invigorates and strengthens the body and works to increase vitality. It also stimulates the circulatory system, helping to improve circulatory disorders. Moreover, as a stimulant, Bayberry is said to be beneficial for improving low thyroid activity. Bayberry is a strong astringent that is good for internal ulcerations. It has also been used to treat bleeding of all kinds, whether from the stomach, lungs, uterine hemorrhaging, or excessive menstruation. It is also said to have an excellent effect on female organs. Externally, Bayberry makes an effective poultice for ulcerated and running sores, a rub for inflamed varicose veins and application for hemorrhoids. In addition to Bayberry's use in candle making, cosmetics and soaps, it is also considered to be an effective insecticide. Traditional herbalists used Bayberry (in large doses) as an emetic, which produced vomiting, in the treatment of narcotic poisoning. Recommended Dosage: Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Contraindications: Pregnant or nursing women should not use Bayberry, and since Bayberry alters the body's processing of sodium and potassium, those who must watch their sodium/potassium balance, such as people with kidney disease, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, should consult their doctors before using this product. Large doses (many times the recommended dosage) of Bayberry may be emetic and cause stomach problems. Capsule Size: We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. Bayberry - Botanical Powder -- Approximately 600 mg. each.