Wax myrtle

What is wax myrtle?

Wax my rtle is a shrub that grows in the east of the USA. The bark of the root and the berries of wax myrtle are used to make medicine. Despite safety concerns, some people use wax myrtle for colds, painful and swollen digestive organs (colitis), diarrhea and nausea. In larger quantities, wax myrtle is also used as an emetic.

Some people also use wax myrtle to stimulate the circulatory system. Wax myrtle is sometimes used as a gargle solution for sore throats, as a douche for vaginal discharge and as an ointment for skin ulcers and wounds. In industrial production, wax extracts obtained from wax myrtle berries are used in the manufacture of fragrances and candles.

How does wax myrtle work?

Wax myrtle berries contain chemicals known as tannins. These tannins have a drying effect on the skin.

How effective is wax myrtle?

There is not enough scientific information to make a statement about the effectiveness of wax myrtle in treating colds, diarrhea, nausea, sore throats (when used as a gargle), vaginal discharge (when used as a douche), and skin ulcers and wounds (when applied to the skin as an ointment). Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of wax myrtle for these conditions.

Safety and side effects

Waxmyrtle may not be considered safe and harmless when taken orally. Possible side effects of wax myrtle include nausea, vomiting and liver damage. In addition, wax myrtle contains carcinogenic chemicals.

There is not enough information to assess whether wax myrtle is safe for use as a gargle, vaginal douche or as an ointment to apply to the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Waxmyrtle is unlikely to be safe for anyone, but its use is particularly risky in the following cases:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: wax myrtle is considered possibly unsafe when ingested or applied to the skin by pregnant or breastfeeding women because it contains a chemical that is carcinogenic. In addition, wax myrtle can cause nausea, vomiting and liver damage.

High blood pressure: Wax myrtle contains large amounts of chemicals called tannins. Tannins can increase the amount of sodium the body retains. This can result in additional water retention, which can increase blood pressure. It is therefore particularly important for people suffering from high blood pressure to avoid products made from wax myrtle.

Water retention: Wax myrtle may aggravate water retention. For this reason, it is particularly important for people who are prone to water retention to avoid wax myrtle.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions of wax myrtle with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of wax myrtle depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for different wax myrtles. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies. 3rd ed, Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1993.
2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co, 1999.