Myrtle

Myrtle (Myrtus communis), also called bridal myrtle or common myrtle, is an evergreen shrub from the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Myrtle is native to the Mediterranean region, but is also cultivated in northern European countries. The coarse, lancet-like leaves have short stems. Myrtus communis flowers between May and August and develops blue-black berry fruits about 1 cm in size.

Myrtle played an important role in Greek mythology. Thus, myrtle was consecrated to the goddess Aphrodite.

Myrtle essential oil contains cineol, myrtenol, pinene, gerniol, linalool, 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).