Myrtle as an Herb

(Myrtus communis)

Myrtle is found throughout the Mediterranean, as well as in some tropical and sub-tropical regions. The leaves are used predominantly, but the whole plant can be utilized for different applications involving myrtle's pleasant scent.

In Jewish liturgy Myrtle is one of the four sacred plants of Sukkot, the Feast of the Tabernacles.

Medicinal Uses for Myrtle

Myrtle is used to treat bronchitis, bruises, bad breath, wounds, colds, sinusitis, and coughs. In India it is seen as a treatment for cerebral infections, most notably epilepsy. It has also been used at various times as an astringent, an antiseptic and a decongestant.

As an essential oil, myrtle is used to treat acne, asthma, bronchitis, catarrhal conditions, chronic coughs, colds, flu, hemorrhoids, infectious diseases, insomnia, oily skin, and open pores.

Myrtle essential oil is the traditional emblem of love.

Culinary

On the islands of Sardinia and Corsica it is used to produce a liqueur called Mirto.

Myrtle berries are sweet, with a juniper and rosemary-like flavor.

In the Mediterranean, the berries were initially used to flavor wine but are now more commonly used in desserts, liqueurs, and sweet dishes.

The leaves are used in stews, roast meats, stuffings, salads, and meat ragouts. The leaves are used to wrap wild game or roast pork before cooking.

Italians, especially Sardinians, use myrtle branches in the same way allspice branches are used in the Caribbean. They wrap meat, other game meats, birds, and poultry with myrtle branches and then roast, broil, or smoke them. The leaves are also stuffed in the meats and are removed before serving. The burning myrtle wood and leaves provide a fragrant note to the meat.

Australians add it to roast poultry, seafood, salad dressings, many sauces, and curries, and infuse it in vinegar.

Cautions

There is little documented evidence to show that Myrtle is dangerous, but caution should always be taken if trying a new herb.

It is recommended that pregnant women should avoid myrtle.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.