Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

The myrtle is a shrub belonging to the family Myrtaceae, which is characterized by regular flowers with five petals and numerous stamens, and the rudiment of the fruit which is situated below the flower and not in her womb so that when one reaches full maturity, the calyx, which often persists, the crown. This shrub is usually not exceed 1 or 2 feet high because it develops slowly and the cruel hand of man will not let him grow, but protected, could reach 4 feet or more. It remains green all year and with many branches and abundant, graceful leaves, which are arranged in pairs at each node. One grows in the valleys, hills and slopes around the Mediterranean coast, with greater profusion in moist and rich in elements.

FLOWERING

It blooms from mid June to early August. Interesting collection of the leaves should be collected in spring.

APPLICATIONS

The myrtle leaves contain tannin, resin, bitter substances, and above all, an essential oil: it is a greenish yellow liquid, pleasant odor, which is composed mainly of pinene, cineol, dipentene, a hydrocarbon, mirtol and Myrtenol. Tannins give the plant astringent properties. The substance has a strong antiseptic and antibiotic, according to various studies comparable to penicillin and other antibiotics of similar spectrum of action. It is also an expectorant, eupeptic, hemostatic, gastrointestinal and slightly sedative. Since this is an essence, it should be noted that caution must be taken not to apply large doses to children, the possible occurrence of allergic reactions.

ADMINISTRATION

Decoction. In one liter of water, simmer 20 g. leaves for five minutes, filter the liquid, sweetened with honey and take six tablespoons per day until resolved bronchial inflammation.
Infusion. Prepared from a tablespoon per cup of coffee, corresponding to 15 g. of fresh plant per liter of water. You can drink three cups a day.
Essence. 1 to 2 drops three times daily before meals. The essence can also be applied as an aerosol, or inhalation. This should be done before a tolerance test, to rule out possible allergic reactions. Commented that before the infusion can also be used as compresses, lotions, nasal instillation or douching.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Myrtaceae
HABITAT: Slopes of Mediterranean coast
FLOWERING: June, July and August
PART USED: Sheets
CASTILIAN: Mirto, murta
CATALAN: Murter, murtrera

USES

Astringency, Antiseptic Moderate, Digestive Leve.