Myrtle is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white or pink flowers. It is native to North Africa but is commonly found in the southern Mediterranean region including France, Spain, Corsica, Tunisia and Italy. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs and sometimes the flowers.
Myrtle has been used since ancient times and was reported to be the sacred plant of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Aphrodite is often pictured wearing a Myrtle wreath on her head and for many years it was traditional that a bride’s head dress should be made of it. Myrtle's Greek association with love is continued today with the inclusion of Myrtle in Greek bridal bouquets.
Historically, Myrtle was used by the ancient Greek physician, Discords, for lung and bladder infections and in Italy and Greece to make a cough syrup for children with colds. Myrtle was also used in skin preparations and is a traditional Mediterranean remedy for regulating the menstrual cycle. In modern aromatherapy Myrtle is primarily used for respiratory ailments and for skincare.
Myrtle essential oil is obtained through the steam distillation of the myrtle plant’s flowers, leaves, and stem, which is called Myrtus Communis in the botanical world. Furthermore, the bravest soldiers, athletes and nobles were honored with its leaves. It was also prized for its medicinal properties too. Let’s explore more about what the ancient Greeks understood so well, and perhaps find a way to improve our modern day health.
Native to Australia, Lemon myrtle is one among the few favorite Australian essential oils and it is said that the Indigenous Australians used Lemon myrtle as a remedial and culinary herb. The ancient Egyptians used the leaves of this plant to treat fever and other infections. Myrtle has been mentioned in the Greek mythology as a symbol of love and divine generosity. It was considered sacred to the Greek Goddesses Demeter and Aphrodite.
Ayurveda is a holistic healing principle that trusts on nature and natural remedies for treating human illnesses. This ancient philosophy states that human beings are part of nature and their illness and wellness depend upon their body’s balance with nature. Sickness according to the Ayurvedic texts is a signal indicating that the human body is out of balance with nature.
Benefit & Uses: Myrtle essential oil is regarded as a remarkable antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial agent with its clean, refreshing and pure citrus aroma.
It maintains the stability of the nerves and keeps from becoming nervous or unnecessarily stressed over small issues. It is a beneficial agent against nervous and neurotic disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, shaking limbs, fear, vertigo, anxiety, and chronic stress.
The essential oil of myrtle relaxes and sedates. This property also provides relief from tension, stress, annoyance, anger, distress and depression, as well as from inflammation, irritation and various allergies.
Myrtle essential oil counters anti-catarrhal property the accumulation of phlegm and catarrh in the respiratory tracts. This property also curbs the formation of mucus and provides relief from coughs and breathing trouble.
It can be used for skin care and against hemorrhoids, acne, pimples, cystitis, infections in the urinary tract, and chronic problems like leucorrhea. Finally, it is effective against chest infections in both babies and the elderly.
Myrtle's astringent properties make it useful in skin care for oily skin, open pores, acne and mature skin. It is also useful in an ointment base for treating hemorrhoids.
Psychologically Myrtle is clarifying, purifying and protective and can be useful for addictive, self-destructive and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Myrtle is especially recommended for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, catarrh and coughs. It is particularly useful in a child's bedroom at night (in a safely placed oil burner) to help soothe irritable night-time coughing. It can also be used in a douche to help treat urinary tract infections.