Myrtle

Myrtle (Myrtus communis), also known as common myrtle, is an evergreen shrub from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) that grows up to 5 m tall. Myrtle is native to the Mediterranean region, but is also cultivated in northern European countries. The coarse, lanceolate leaves have short stalks, the small, white flowers are numerous and have an intense fragrance; the ovaries develop into 1 cm large, blue-black berries. see also Myrti folium. Flowering time: May and August, fruit ripening: August to October.

Myrtle played an important role in Greek mythology. Myrtle was dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.

Commission E: not processed

HMPC: not processed

ESCOP: not processed

Myrtle oil is used in finished medicinal products for the treatment of colds, particularly because of the cineole it contains, e.g. Gelo ^Myrtol® forte.

Myrtle essential oil contains cineole, myrtenol, pinene, gerniol, linalool and camphene.

Naturopathy: Myrtus communis is the parent plant of Myrti Folium (Folia Myrti), the myrtle leaves used for medicinal purposes. The essential oil of the leaves has a secretolytic effect. In Externa myrtle extracts have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Cosmetics: Under the INCI designation "Myrtus communis oil" the essential oil from the branches and leaves (possibly also the blossoms) of the myrtle bush which is obtained by steam distillation is used in cosmetic formulations.

Myrtle extracts also have a culinary significance. They serve as a spice for meat dishes (e.g. in sausage mortadella), are used in the production of liqueurs (Mirto Rosso).

1. Montag A (2023) Plants and skin. Springer-Verlag Ltd. S. 739-741.
2. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/myrtus_communis/myrte.htm