Bayberry

Scientific name of Bayberry: Myrica esculenta / Myrica nagi

Name of Bayberry in different languages:-

English: Box myrtle,

Sanskrit: kathphala, Aranya, Krishnagarbha

Hindi: Kafal

Tamil: masudam

Malayalam: Katphala-കട്ഫലം, maruta

Plant description:

It is a medium dioecious tree,  found in hilly areas of north-East  India, it is a large woody, evergreen plant, grow up to 25 feet. Leaves are simple, crowded towards the apex, lanceolate, up to 9 cm long and 3 cm wide, pale green in the upper surface and dark green bottom.the flowers are small, sessile, sepals and petals not visible; inflorescence, 4.2 cm long, axillary, carrying about 25 flowers. Fruit are berries, globose, succulent drupe, red in color, size 1.1 cm – 1.3 cm. There are two verities of plants are available one is white flowered and other red flowered.

Useful plant parts:

Bark, leaves, fruits, oil

Medicinal uses:

To treat Leucorrhea, Asthma, Bronchitis, Fever, Cold, Intestinal Disorders, tooth problems, Hemorrhage, Wounds and Ulcers. To treat Vatha kapha disorders, Reduce the edema and improved blood circulation, It is used as a stimulant of nervous system,

Chemical contents:

Myricetin, myricitrin, glycosides, flavone, glucopyranoside, β-sitosterol, quercetin.

Bayberry is used as an ingredient to prepare the Ayurveda medicines like:

• Pushyanuga Choornam
• Devdarvadi Kashaya
• Ashtangavaleha
• Anjal Tablets
• Bala Thailam
• Maha Vishagarbha Tailam

Learn more:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336264/