What is Box myrtle? Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of the Kaiphal - Tea for Cough & Cold

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Box myrtle, also known as Myrica esculenta or Kaiphal, and some common names are bayberry, kaiphal, Myrica Nagi, nagatenga, kainaryamy. It is mainly found in subtropical parts of the Himalayas from river Ravi eastwards at 900-2100m. The herb contains tannins, triterpenes, flavonoid glycosides, resin, and gum, the leaves of the tree are 7.5cm long and pale to rust-colored. The tree has hairy stalks with minute flowers growing on common drooping stalks, it has wrinkled seeds.

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2. Common Names 

• Family - Myricaceae.
• Hindi Name - Kebuk, Kemuk.
• English Name - Box Myrtle, Bay Berry.
• Synonyms - Somabalka, Kaitarya, Bhadra.

3. Morphology

It is a small or moderate tree, 3 to 15m high, its bark is rough with deep vertical wrinkles.

Leaves - Simple, oblong-lanceolate, 9.5 to 15cm long.

Flowers - Inflorescence of axillary spikes with unisexual flowers.

Fruits - Fruit a drupe, ellipsoid-ovoid in shape, waxy with black-brown spots.

Seed - Nut solitary, rugose.

4. Ayurvedic Properties 

Rasa (Taste): It has Katu, Tikta, Kasaya (bitter, astringent, pungent) taste.

Virya (Potency): It is Ushna in nature (hot).

Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): It is Katu (bitter) taste.

Guna (Qualities) – Laghu, Tikshna.

Doshakarma - Kapha vatashamaka.

5. What are the benefits of Bayberry?

The bark is beneficial in arresting secretion or bleeding and expelling wind from the stomach. It is also an antiseptic. The plant has analgesic, anxiolytic, antiallergic, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antiulcer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Here are some health benefits of Bayberry / Box myrtle

For Fever and Cold

It is a valuable remedy for fevers and colds, it helps to clear congested nasal passages which get relief by sneezing. The decoction gargle is also good for sore throat, a hot decoction can be taken in the treatment of fever, catarrh of the mucous membranes, affection of the chest, and typhoid.

For Intestinal Disorders

Box myrtle is also used to treat inflammation and infection of the gastrointestinal tract.

For Teeth Disorders

Box myrtle bark is beneficial in tooth problems like gums pain, toothache, and bad breath.

For Women’s Health Aliments

The herb taken internally can be used to treat postpartum hemorrhage. It can also be used as a douche for excessive menstrual bleeding and leucorrhea or white discharge.

For Respiratory Disorder

Box myrtle is highly beneficial in treating respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic bronchitis. Its bark may be taken either in a decoction or powdered form, as in the case of fevers and colds.

For Wounds and Ulcers

A compress of the herb can be sued for dressing wounds and ulcers.

For Other Diseases

Box myrtle is useful in several other disorders like diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic gonorrhea.

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6. How to use Myrica esculenta?

The whole plant, leaves, and fruits of the plant are extensively used in the traditional system of medicine for various ailments like cough, asthma, fever, chronic bronchitis, diarrhea rheumatism, and inflammation.

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as an Ayurvedic doctor recommends. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Box myrtle daily once a day.

Here are some home remedies for Box myrtle / Kaiphal

• Take 10 grams of Box myrtle bark powder and make a decoction of it, take twice a day after meal. Helps to treat colds and coughs.
• Take 5 grams of Box myrtle bark powder with water, helps to treat intestinal disorders.
• Take 5 grams of Box myrtle bark powder and make a paste with vinegar, use this on gums and teeth. It helps to give relief from teeth disorders.
• Take 5-7 grams of Box myrtle bark powder with lukewarm water, helps to treat the respiratory disorder.
• Make a decoction of Box myrtle bark powder with cinnamon, which helps to treat chronic cough and piles.

7. Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Actions

Ayurvedic Actions

Its Ayurvedic actions are cough, common cold, fever, skin disease, diabetes, stomatitis, bronchial asthma, hoarseness of voice, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Pharmacological Actions

Its Pharmacological actions are expectorant, antiasthamatic, antidiabetic and antipyretic.

8. Doses

Powder - 3 to 5g.

9. Official Part Used

Bark.

10. Side Effects 

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’ have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects of Box myrtle / Kaiphal are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take Box myrtle / Kaiphal without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• Do not take Box myrtle / Kaiphal bark without a doctor’s prescription if you are on any kind of hormonal or sexual-related medication.
• If you are on any health supplements, advise the doctor before starting Box myrtle / Kaiphal.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Box myrtle / Kaiphal.

11. Box myrtle Tea for Cough & Cold

This tea helps to treat cough and cold and gives relief from sore throat and helps to clear congested nasal passages. It is very simple and easy and can be made at home.

Ingredients

• Box myrtle Bark Powder – 1 tsp
• Terminalia Bellirica Powder – 1 tsp
• Holy Basil – 1tsp
• Licorice Root Powder – 1tsp
• Water – 2 cups

Method

• Take a tea pan and add water, boil it.
• Add all the ingredients and boil them for another 3-5 minutes.
• Strain the tea in a cup with help of a tea filter.
• Add honey and & lime or you can add black salt and pepper, whatever taste you like.
• Drink hot.

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