Box Myrtle

Box Myrtle

Myrica esculenta is a small tree or large shrub native to the hills of northern India and Nepal. Its common names include Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kaphal (local name in India and Nepal).It is found in hilly regions of northern India and Nepal especially in the regions of Garhwal and Kumaon of Uttarakhand and western Nepal especially at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. It is also found at elevations below 1500 m in the midhills of Nepal. It is evergreen tree. The height of the plant is 12m(39 feet).

Uses

The bark is antirheumatic, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, ophthalmic and stimulant. It has proved useful in the treatment of fevers, asthma and coughs. The juice is applied to treat rheumatism. Mixed with ginger, it is used as a rubefacient in the treatment of cholera. The juice of the bark is taken internally in the treatment of catarrh and headaches, and is applied externally to cuts and wounds. A decoction of the bark is used in the treatment of fevers, asthma and diarrhoea. This decoction is boiled to form a gelatinous mass that is applied as a poultice on sprains. Combined with the bark of Quercus lanata, it is used as a decoction in the treatment of dysentery. The juice of the unripe fruit is used as an anthelmintic.

Method of Preparation

A wax covering on the fruit 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 fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles. Candles made from this wax are quite brittle but are less greasy in warm weather. They are slightly aromatic and do not smoke when put out, making them much more pleasant to use that wax or tallow candles. The wax is also used in making soaps. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark. The plant is a source of tannin. (Probably the bark or the leaves.) The bark is said to contain 60 - 80% tannin. Wood - hard, close-grained. a good fuel. Used mainly for fuel, though it is sometimes used for making poles for construction.

Edible Parts

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet with a pleasant blend of acid, they are very pleasant eating. About 13mm in diameter. The fruit contains about 12.6% sugar, 1% protein, 0.4% ash. Low in vitamin C, about 4.1mg per 100ml. The fruit does not keep well, only lasting in good condition for 2 - 3 days after picking. Yields from mature trees can be as high as 25kg per year, but are more often around 15.5kg

    At last I want to Thank Mr.Amit Bikram Sijapati (OBTE Teacher) to provide this golden opportunity to blog.

By: Nischal Maharjan (maharjannischal20@gmail.com)