Unlock the Health Benefits of the Myrtle Plant

One of the most visited monuments in Spain and perhaps Europe is the Granada Alhambra, and it has a beautiful yard dedicated to the myrtle plant. In this yard, the refined Arabic art mixes with green color and the aroma of this shrub. Both Dioscorides, the great Greek physician and botanist of the 1^st century A.D., and Avicenna, the Arabic physician of the 11^th century, recommended myrtle because of its astringent and antiseptic properties.

Healing Properties and Indications

The leaves and berries of myrtle contain tannin, resin, bitter components, and mainly myrthol, an essence rich in cyneol, with antiseptic and antibiotic properties against gram-positive germs. Its antiseptic and astringent properties make myrtle a beneficial plant for the following afflictions:

1. Respiratory disorders: Rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, due to the action of its essence.
2. When taken as an infusion, its tannin content can cause diarrhea, gastroenteritis, dyspepsia, and urinary infections.
3. Stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosal membrane) and pharyngitis when applied as a gargle.
4. Leukorrhea (abnormal menstrual flow), applied through a special catheter in washing or vaginal irrigations.

How to use Mrytle

1. Infuse 15-20 g of leaves and berries per liter of water. Strain and drink five cups a day from there.
2. Essence: One to three drops, three times a day, before meals.
3. Gargles with the infusion are employed for internal use.
4. Vaginal irrigation with this infusion is carefully strained.
5. Inhalations of the essence.

Myrtle Plant Scientific Facts

1. French: Mrytle.
2. Spanish: Arrayan, mirto.
3. Environment: Native to Europe, although it also grows in America.
4. Description: This shrub of the Myrtaceae family grows up to three meters high. It has branched stems, white or pink flowers, and blackberries with a sour but aromatic flavor.
5. Parts of the plant used medicinally: The leaves and the berries.

Mexican Myrtle

Another myrtle plant species grows in Mexico, where it is known under the name of guayabito (Myrtus Florida D. C.). This name is also applied to the species communis. The Mexican myrtle is used in the same applications as common myrtle because of its astringent properties. Its berries are red.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 317. Print. [myrtle plant]
2. NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10354007/
3. RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/myrtle.htm