![]() Known hazards of Myrica cerifera: There is a report that some of the constituents of the wax are carcinogenic. Layering in spring.Ĭultivation of the herb: Thickets on sandy soil near swamps and marshes, also on dry arid hills in which situation it is often only a few centimetres tall. Pot up and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the cold frame for the first winter. Stored seed germinates more freely if given a 3 month cold stratification and then sown in a cold frame. Propagation of Wax Myrtle: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. ![]() Wood - light, soft, brittle, fine-grained. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in windy sites. ![]() About 1 kilo of wax can be obtained from 4 kilos of berries. They are slightly aromatic, with a pleasant balsamic odour, and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use that wax or tallow candles. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles, sealing wax etc. ![]() The fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. Other uses of the herb: A wax covering on the fruit contains palmitic acid and is extracted by scalding the fruit with boiling water and immersing them for a few minutes, the wax floats to the surface and is then skimmed off. The dried leaves are brewed into a robust tea. They make an aromatic, attractive and agreeable substitute for bay leaves, and can be used in flavouring soups, stews etc. Leaves and berries are used as a food flavouring. There is very little edible flesh and the quality is poor. The fruit is about 3mm in diameter with a large seed. Habitat of the herb: Thickets on sandy soil near swamps and marshes, also on dry arid hills in which situation it is often only a few centimetres tall.Įdible parts of Wax Myrtle: Fruit - raw or cooked. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin. It is regarded as a sure cure for dysentery and is also used to treat internal ulcers. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic. Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers, sore throats, spongy gums, sores, itching skin conditions, dandruff etc. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, fevers, colds, influenza, catarrh, excessive menstruation, vaginal discharge etc. It is harvested in the autumn, thoroughly dried then powdered and kept in a dark place in an airtight container. The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic. The plant should not be used during pregnancy. Medicinal use of Wax Myrtle: Wax myrtle is a popular herbal remedy in North America where it is employed to increase the circulation, stimulate perspiration and keep bacterial infections in check.
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