Myrica esculenta

Myrica esculenta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fagales
Family:	Myricaceae
Genus:	Myrica
Species:	M. esculenta
Binomial name
Myrica esculenta
Synonyms
Box myrtle Myrica integrifolia Myrica sapida Myrica nagi [1]

Myrica esculenta is a small tree or large shrub native to Hills of Nepal and northern India. Its common names include Box myrtle, Bayberry. It is a well known medicinal plant in Ayurveda.

Habitat

It is found in hilly regions of Nepal and northern part of India especially in the region of Punjab, Gadwall, Kumaun, Khasia Mountains and silhiti especially at the height of 3 to 6 thousand.^[2]

Morphology

It has a tree of medium height i.e. 20 to 25 feet. Bark is soft and brittle. Leaves are conjoint, 1 to 2 feet long that has leaflets in pairs of 6 to 9 and has a width of ¼ inch. Flowers are of white color and are found in bunches. Fruits are 6 to 18 inch long and have 6 veins with having a brown color. Seeds are triangular in shape and are astringent in taste.

According to ayurveda it is of two varietiesbased on the color of flower Shwet (white), Rakta (red).^[2]

Chemical Constituents

Bark is yellow colored substance, myrisetin, myricitrin and glycoside. Besides this it contains 32 %.^[2]

Pharmacology

It is vata and kapha suppressant. Due to its sharp and penetrating nature. It also aids contraction of muscles. It helps in stimulating the nervous system. It helps in normalizing the digestive tract due to its light properties. It also helps in improving circulation and also reduces any edema present in the body. It also helps in expelling out the excessive mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract. It is a good aphrodisiac agent and is a very effective in treating skin diseases.

According to ayurveda it contains Gunna (properties) – laghu (light) and tikshan (sharp), Rasa (taste) –kashaya (astringent), katu (pungent) and tickta (bitter), Virya (potency) – ushan (hot).^[2]

Toxicology

It has no toxic effect when consumed in normal dosage.^[2]

References

1. ^ "medicinal herbs". ayushveda.com. http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/m/myrica-nagi=box-myrtle.php. Retrieved 2011-01-26. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Myrica esculenta". ayushveda.com. http://www.ayushveda.com/herbs/myrica-esculenta.htm. Retrieved 2011-01-26.