Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America. Native American tribes and later Western herbalists used bayberry bark to support oral health, particularly for soothing sore gums and as a mouth rinse for gum infections or inflammation. Its astringent properties, due to the presence of tannins, were thought to help tighten gum tissue and reduce bleeding.

However, while there is ample traditional use of bayberry for oral health and gum support, scientific validation is limited. Modern clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies supporting its efficacy for gum health are lacking. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical herbal texts, such as those by Samuel Thomson and the Eclectic physicians of the 19th century. These sources describe bayberry as a "tonic" and "astringent" useful for oral care, but do not provide controlled data.

In summary, bayberry's use for supporting gum health is primarily justified by traditional herbal practice, with minimal scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness. The rating of 2 reflects the strong traditional background but weak modern research.

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Integrative Therapeutics Glycemic Manager