Are Bayberry & Barberry the Same Herb?

Identification

• Bayberry is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that grows wild in the Eastern and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. The plant produces small, bluish-white waxy berries. Barberry is a thorny shrub with gray branches. It produces bright yellow flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of red berries during the fall.

Benefits

• Bayberries are covered in a pale, fragrant wax that is used in making aromatic candles. The bayberry herb, which has astringent properties, is also used as a topical ointment for skin wounds and ulcers. Barberry has been used in Indian folk medicine for over 2,500 years as a treatment for upset stomach and diarrhea. Barberry contains a chemical called berberine that improves immune system function and limits bacterial growth.

Considerations

• Bayberry should not be taken internally, according to Drugs.com, because it irritates the gastrointestinal system. People who are allergic to bayberry pollen should not use the herb. High doses of barberry lead to nosebleeds and stomach upset. Pregnant women should avoid barberry; it causes uterine contractions and premature labor.