(Latin) Of the sacred evergreen shrub
Myrtilla, Myrtisa, Myrtis, Mertice, Mertis, Mertle, Mirtie, Myrta, Myrtia, Myrtice, Myrtie, Myrtiece, Myrteace, Myrtee
Myrtilla, Myrtisa, Myrtis, Mertice, Mertis, Mertle, Mirtie, Myrta, Myrtia, Myrtice, Myrtie, Myrtiece, Myrteace, Myrtee
FAMILY: Myrtaceae
SYNONYM: Corsican pepper.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A large bush or small tree with many tough but slender branches, a brownish-red bark and small sharp-pointed leaves. It has white flowers followed by small black berries; both leaves and flowers are very fragrant.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to North Africa, it now grows freely all over the Mediterranean region; it is also cultivated as a garden shrub throughout Europe. The oil is mainly produced in Corsica, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Italy, Yugoslavia and France.
OTHER SPECIES: Part of the same large aromatic family which includes eucalyptus and tea tree; also bayberry or wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) and the Dutch myrtle or English bog myrtle (Myrica gale) which are used in herbal medicine (though their essential oils are said to be poisonous). Not to be confused with iris, sometimes called ‘myrtle flower’ or calamus, which is also known as ‘myrtle grass’ or ‘sweet myrtle’.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The leaves and berries have been used for ‘drying and binding, good for diarrhoea and dysentery, spitting of blood and catarrhous defluctions upon the breast’.. Dioscorides prescribed it for lung and bladder infections in the form of an extract made by macerating the leaves in wine. The leaves and flowers were a major ingredient of ‘angel’s water’, a sixteenth-century skin care lotion.
ACTIONS: Anticatarrhal, antiseptic (urinary, pulmonary), astringent, balsamic, bactericidal, expectorant, regulator, slightly sedative.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs (sometimes the flowers).
CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow or orange liquid with a clear, fresh, camphoraceous, sweet-herbaceous scent somewhat similar to eucalyptus. It blends well with bergamot, lavandin, lavender, rosemary, clary sage, hyssop, bay leaf, lime, laurel, ginger, clove and other spice oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Cineol, myrtenol, pinene, geraniol, linalol, camphene, among others.
SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, nonsensitizing.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin care: Acne, haemorrhoids, oily skin, open pores.
Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrhal conditions, chronic coughs, Tuberculosis – ‘Because of its relative mildness, this is a very suitable oil to use for children’s coughs and chest complaints.’.
Immune system: Colds, ’flu, infectious disease.
OTHER USES: Used mainly in eau-de-cologne and toilet waters. Employed as a flavouring ingredient in meat sauces and seasonings, generally in combination with other herbs.
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