Bayberry Bark

A popular astringent herb—the Swedish and Welsh used bayberry bark to tan calfskin and made a strong extract that was spread on baseboards to kill insects. Early American settlers used the powdered bark as toothpaste and to cure gingivitis. As a tea, gargling helped treat sore throat.
    Modern herbalists use bayberry to treat polyps. It has some antibiotic activity. It is mainly used as an astringent.