The Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a popular ornamental shrub native to the range of South Europe to West Asia.
It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 16 feet tall and is tolerant of regular clipping and shaping—so it makes a good hedge plant.
It produces flowers that are white or pinkish with many prominent stamens that make them look like “puffs” of white, followed by blue-black berries.
The Common Myrtle is available in a number of different varieties for ornamental use. With its aromatic foliage and white puff or “star-like” flowers, it is a symbol in some areas of love and peace and is prized for its use in wedding bouquets.
The leaves, flowers and bark are also a source of an essential oil that is used in perfumery and personal care products for its warm woody scent. The flowers are used to produce a perfumed water called “eau d’ange”.
The Common Myrtle is one of four plants used in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which is waved as a mitzvah prescribed by the Torah—symbolic of Jew’s service of God.
The berries are edible with an aromatic flavor and used as a food flavoring or in beverages. The leaves are also used as a flavoring, condiment or spice in cooked dishes and fruits and flower buds as a flavoring component in sauces.
Myrtle is reportedly considered GRAS in the US as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages. The flowers are sweet and edible, and make a good addition to salads.
Not only does the Common Myrtle have ornamental, spiritual, symbolic, perfumery and culinary uses, but it also has a long history of use as an herbal medicine.
Among the uses for Common Myrtle are for supporting respiratory health, immune system health, and the nervous system.
The essential oil of the Common Myrtle is similar to Eucalyptus and used to open and sooth the respiratory tract to aid in breathing.
Myrtol (an essential oil component of Myrtus communis) has been found to be clinically effective in controlling nasal symptoms of the respiratory infections by promoting mucociliary clearance.
Through scientific investigation, the Common Myrtle, or its extracts, have been found to exhibit antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, cognitive, cytotoxic, antidiarrheal, anti-hypercholesterol, antiobesity, vasodilating, antihyperglycemic, respiratory-enhancing, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, antinociceptive, anti-dandruff, acetylcholinesterase inhibiting and anti-inflammatory activities, among others.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.