American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

MYRICA. Myrica cerifera.
Synonyms—Bay Berry, Wax myrtle, Candle Berry, Wax berry.
PREPARATIONS—
The powdered bark, from twenty to thirty grains.
Of the wax, one dram.
Of the decoction of leaves or bark, from two to four ounces.
Tincture, from five to forty drops.
Specific myrica, from two to twenty drops.
Specific Symptomatology—The agent is a stimulating astringent. It is
indicated when there is excessive mucous discharge, where catarrhal
conditions exist in any locality, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract.
Also where atonic diarrhea, or persistent diarrhea, accompanies
prostrating disease; also where there is feeble capillary circulation of the
mucous membranes, accompanied with phlegmenous ulceration. Locally
and internally in sore mouth, with spongy, bleeding gums.
Therapy—It is a remedy for those conditions where the vital powers are at
low ebb. It aids the nutrition, stimulating the absorption of food, and
promotes the restoration of depraved blood. It is considered a valuable
alterative. In any condition where the mucous surfaces have lost tone,
and are throwing out a profuse discharge, it may be given with advantage.
It has been found valuable in epidemic dysentery. In conjunction with
capsicum, its stimulating and tonic properties are plainly apparent.
Combined with geranium, it is of superior benefit, where the patients have
taken mercury and where ptyalism has been induced. It assists in the
more rapid elimination of the mercury from the system. Combined with
asclepias, it is of much value in breaking up recent severe colds. Unlike
most astringents, it materially improves excretion, secretion and the
functional action of the glandular system.
In chronic stomatitis, of whatever form, where the breath is bad, and
there is slow ulceration, the mucous membranes being dark colored, this
remedy in combination with other indicated remedies, will effect a rapid
cure. If the stomach is foul, and the breath and fecal discharges are
offensive, it should be given with an emetic, until the stomach is
thoroughly evacuated. In combination with saguinaria it will be found
useful in removing abnormal growths from the post-nasal cavity.
Sufficiently diluted, and combined with hydrastis, it may be applied to
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 306