Myrtle is an ornamental plant that has multiple health benefits and is also used as an aromatic plant.
Myrtle is a favorite among many for beautifying yards and gardens. It grows in the form of a shrub and can reach heights of up to 3 meters. Myrtle has small, elongated, thick, dark green, and pleasantly fragrant leaves that remain evergreen. The flowers are also small, white, with a center filled with yellow stamens.
Although few know it, myrtle can be used in culinary preparations, from savory dishes, salads, sauces, to desserts and beverages. The fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches of the plant are used.
The fruits can be used both raw and cooked or dried. The fruit has an aromatic taste and can be consumed fresh when ripe, or it can be dried and then used as a spice. The fruit has a diameter of approximately 8 mm and resembles blueberries, except that they are elongated.
From its fruits, a jam and a liqueur called mirto, which is dark reddish-black in color, are prepared, popular in Corsica, Sardinia, and Capraia. Additionally, from the berries or leaves of myrtle, a colorless distillate called white myrtle can be obtained.
Fresh or dried fruits are extremely aromatic, which is why they are used in Mediterranean cuisine as a spice. In France, they enhance the flavor of game meat. In the Middle East, the fruits are consumed fresh (as is) or dried, as a flavor enhancer in food.
The flowers have a sweet aroma and are used in salads, especially in Italy.
The leaves are used as a spice for flavoring in savory dishes and cooked foods. Flower buds and dried fruits are used to flavor sauces, syrups, etc.
From the leaves and branches of myrtle, an essential oil is made, which is used as a spice, especially in combinations with other spices.
For hundreds of years, myrtle has been used to treat various ailments. The myrtle plant is still used for medical purposes, being used both internally and externally.
Internal Use
Internally, myrtle has benefits in treating respiratory diseases (runny nose, otitis, sinusitis), urinary and renal issues, hemorrhoids, leucorrhea, intestinal parasites, and is also used for individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Myrtle is used in the form of infusions, tinctures, extracts, or solutions based on alcohol or oils.
Myrtle has digestive, astringent, disinfectant, and antibacterial properties. It is a plant that calms the body. It is also recommended for smokers, having a disinfectant role in chronic bronchitis.
Myrtle acts as a disinfectant, antimicrobial, and expectorant, making it ideal for treating respiratory system ailments, as well as for individuals suffering from colds or bronchial asthma.
Myrtle also helps strengthen the immune system.
External Use
Myrtle is also used externally, being employed in the treatment of skin diseases, ulcers, and in skin and facial care, in the form of lotions, compresses, and creams. When it comes to external use, myrtle is often found in cosmetic products.
Having healing properties, myrtle is also used in the healing of wounds.
It is also used in treating acne and seborrhea, in the form of myrtle essential oil. Myrtle oil is also useful in cases of gingivitis.
Since myrtle oil has a decongestant and lymphatic role, it can be used in massaging the legs of women suffering from rheumatism.
Additionally, individuals suffering from bruises, contusions, or sprains are recommended to take a myrtle bath. This means adding myrtle essential oil to bathwater and soaking for at least 15-20 minutes in warm water.
Myrtle is also commonly found in cosmetics, precisely due to its numerous beneficial properties. It can be found in toothpaste, toning lotions, balms, and various creams.
Myrtle Infusion
To prepare a myrtle infusion, you need 25 grams of myrtle leaves and one liter of hot water. Add the crushed leaves to the hot water, cover, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. You can consume one, at most two, cups a day, having multiple benefits in cases of colds, flu, and bronchitis.
Myrtle Syrup
You will need:
70 g myrtle leaves
One liter of boiling water
1200 g sugar
Add the chopped myrtle leaves to the boiling water and let them steep for 6 hours. Strain the obtained solution to remove the leaves and add the sugar. Boil everything until the sugar dissolves and some of the water evaporates. In the end, when it is cool, the syrup should have the consistency of honey.
Use one tablespoon of syrup per cup of water to soothe respiratory irritations.
Despite the numerous benefits that myrtle has, it should be consumed with caution. In case of myrtle overdose, there is a risk of poisoning.
PROHIBITED! Myrtle, in any form, is prohibited for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, and children under 6 years old. The use of myrtle can lead to the death of the child or loss of pregnancy.
Myrtle oil contains a chemical substance that can cause asthma-like attacks and pulmonary insufficiency. Myrtle can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, blood circulation disorders, and other health problems.
Although myrtle leaves and branches are used in many countries, there is still not enough information to determine whether their use is safe and in what quantities.
Maximum Admissible Dose
The appropriate dose of myrtle depends on several factors, such as the user’s age, health status, and the ailments they suffer from.
At this moment, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dosage range for a person. It is ideal not to exceed one cup of tea per day, maximum two.
In the case of products purchased from pharmacies, read the label carefully before use.
