Myrtle
oil gained its popularity because of its antimicrobial, astringent,
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant and stimulant
properties
Myrtle oil also works for mental and emotional health, as it can help relieve nervousness and stress
Myrtle's leaves and fruits have
been widely used as folk medicine for the treatment of digestive,
pulmonary and skin problems in many parts of the world.1
Its essential oil, which possesses much of the healthful properties of
the plant, is also popular among aromatherapy practitioners. Discover
what you can gain from having a bottle of myrtle oil stocked in your
home by reading the information below.
What Is Myrtle Oil?
The myrtle plant was first mentioned in history in ancient Greece.2
It was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and was offered
to certain men and women as a symbol of honor. The Greeks also valued
the plant because of its healing qualities.
Myrtle is an evergreen shrub that originated from Africa but has become
a native plant in the Mediterranean region. Its small, dark green
leaves, purple-black colored berries, and fragrant white flowers are all
sources of myrtle oil. However, it's the leaves that produce the oil
used in traditional medicine. The oil derived from berries is often
used as a flavoring agent for beverages and alcoholic drinks.
Myrtle belongs to the same plant family as tea tree and eucalyptus, giving all three similar characteristics. In fact, myrtle's scent is reminiscent of eucalyptus oil.3 Myrtle is sometimes compared to frankincense oil because they possess a similar composition and scent.4
You may also see lemon myrtle essential oil on the market. While both
myrtle oils have a number of related properties, they are two different
plant oils. Common myrtle oil comes from Myrtus communis, while lemon
myrtle oil comes from the Backhousia citriodora plant.
Uses of Myrtle Oil
Myrtle oil gained its popularity because of its antimicrobial,
astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant
and stimulant properties. It also functions as an effective deodorizer.
Its medicinal functions have been noted as early as 600 B.C. According
to the Bible, it was used in purification ceremonies. In other cultures,
the essential oil of myrtle was used to help ease urinary infections,
digestive issues and respiratory illnesses.
Greek physicians used the plant oil for lung and bladder infections,
while in Italy, the oil was an ingredient in children's cough syrup.
The oil found in myrtle leaves was also used in skincare and as a remedy
to regulate menstrual cycle.5
In Ayurvedic medicine, practitioners used myrtle oil to help treat cerebral infections, specifically epilepsy.6 Today, myrtle oil is commonly used by aromatherapists for skin health and respiratory ailments.
Like eucalyptus, myrtle can be used to ward off mosquitoes and other insects and can be an air freshener.7
Composition of Myrtle Oil
Studies8,9
have noted that the main chemical components of myrtle oil are pinene,
cineole 1,8 and linalool. Pinene is found in many plants and is used as
a liniment for rheumatism in aromatherapy and as a tonic for the
respiratory system.10 Cineole, also called eucalyptol, is prevalent in Eucalyptus oil, but is also found in many plants.
Due to its expectorant properties, cineole is often used in lozenges.
Linalool possesses sedative properties and can be used as an anesthetic.
Myrtle oil is also high in tannins, which are water-soluble
polyphenols that appear in many plants.
Benefits of Myrtle Oil
Myrtle oil has been extensively researched for its potential benefits
on hormone imbalances, specifically of the thyroid and ovaries.11
Myrtle possesses adaptogen properties, which may help regulate an
underactive or overactive gland. This is why it is recommended for
people suffering from hypothyroidism.12
In skincare, myrtle essential oil is valued for its astringent
properties. It can help address oily skin, open pores, sagging skin, and
acne. It is also used as a base to help treat hemorrhoids because of its high tannin content.
People dealing with respiratory problems, including asthma, cough, and
bronchitis, may benefit from myrtle oil because of its expectorant
properties. This means that it can help remove excess mucus from your
respiratory tract. The oil is gentle enough and is particularly helpful
for the elderly and children suffering from nighttime coughs.
Myrtle oil may also help inhibit infections due to its antimicrobial properties. In one study,13 it was shown that the oil could prevent the growth and development of five types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella species, and Listeria species. Myrtle
also functions as an antiseptic and can be applied on wounds.
Myrtle oil may also work for mental and emotional health,
as it can help relieve nervousness and stress. As a sedative, it may
provide relief from depression, tension, and distress, as well as
inflammation and allergic reactions.
How to Make Myrtle Oil
Like many plant essential oils, myrtle oil is obtained by steam
distilling the flowers, leaves and stem. However, you can make infused
myrtle oil at home using myrtle leaves. Follow this guide from
eHow.com.14
What You'll Need
• Measuring cup • 3 to 4 cups of fresh or 1 cup of dried myrtle leaf • Extra-virgin olive oil or cold-pressed grape seed oil • Large saucepan with ovenproof handles • Coffee filters • Strainer • Dark bottle or jar (preferably glass jar)
Procedure:
Measure 3 cups of fresh myrtle leaves. With a knife, chop the
leaves into small pieces, about the size of a dime. Transfer the
chopped leaves into a jar.
Pour extra virgin oil into the jar until it sits approximately 1
inch above the chopped leaves. Place the contents of the jar into the
large saucepan with ovenproof handles.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F, place the uncovered saucepan into
the oven, and observe the mixture. When the oil starts to boil, lower
the heat slightly until the oil sits at a temperature where it slowly
boils.
Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture. Do this every 20 minutes.
Simmer the oil until the leaves become crisp and "worn-out." This means
that the leaves will be devoid of oil for infusion.
Place a coffee filter into a strainer and place over the
dark-colored jar. Pour the myrtle extract through the filter until no
more oil comes out.
Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark, and dry area.
Hot Oil Infusion
Measure 3 cups of fresh myrtle leaves. With a knife, chop the leaves
into small pieces, about the size of a dime. Transfer the chopped
leaves into a jar.
Pour extra virgin oil into the jar until it sits approximately 1
inch above the chopped leaves. Place the contents of the jar into the
large saucepan with ovenproof handles.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F, place the uncovered saucepan into the
oven and observe the mixture. When the oil starts to boil, lower the
heat slightly until the oil sits at a temperature where it slowly boils.
Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture. Do this every 20 minutes.
Simmer the oil until the leaves become crisp and "worn-out." This means
that the leaves will be devoid of oil for infusion.
Place a coffee filter into a strainer and place over the
dark-colored jar. Pour the myrtle extract through the filter until no
more oil comes out.
Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark and dry area.
Cold Oil Infusion
Measure 1 cup of dried myrtle leaves. Chop the leaves using a knife.
Place the chopped leaves into a jar and fill it with cold-pressed
grape seed oil until the oil sits approximately an inch above the
chopped leaves. Seal the jar afterward.
Place the jar in a warm place, with access to direct sunlight. Let
the jar sit for two weeks and shake the jar vigorously at least twice a
day.
Put a coffee filter into the strainer, with a dark glass jar
underneath it. Pour the oil through and old the strainer over until no
oil comes out.
Seal the jar and store in a cool, dry and dark place.
Note: Myrtle infusion oil is best used when fresh, but it can remain stable up to a year. Use within six months for best results.
How Does Myrtle Oil Work?
Myrtle oil can be used in a number of ways. It can be inhaled, applied
directly, or added to your food. If you're interested, here are some
ways to use myrtle oil:
Hemorrhoids
— Add 6 drops of myrtle oil to 30 grams (1 ounce) of cold cream and
mix well. Apply several times a day until the swelling or pain subsides.
Acne — Bad cases of boils
or white heads can be treated by using 10 ml (2 teaspoon.) of grape
seed oil, 1 drop of wheat germ oil, and 7 drops of myrtle oil.
Remedy for any respiratory ailment —
Diffuse the oil. You may also add 4 to 5 drops to your bath salts and
mix with warm bathwater, or apply a diluted blend to your chest or
back.
Deodorant
— Apart from being an effective skincare agent, myrtle can also ward
off bad odor. Add diluted myrtle oil solution to water and use as
spray.
Insomnia — You may diffuse, mix with bathwater, or apply a drop to the back of the neck and pulse points.
Calming agent — If you're experiencing stress or anxiety, you may use myrtle oil for its calming and relaxing properties.
If you're thinking about blending myrtle oil with other essential oils, effective ones include lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, hyssop, rosemary and clary sage. Myrtle oil also blends well with spices.
Is Myrtle Oil Safe?
Myrtle oil is generally considered non toxic. Its mild nature makes it
suitable for use on children and the elderly who have respiratory
issues. However, you should not use it without diluting it with other
carrier oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
To check for any adverse effects, you may use a skin patch test or
simply apply a drop of the diluted oil on a small portion of your skin.
Myrtle essential oil is also approved as a food additive and flavoring
agent by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While it's gentle
for use on kids suffering from cold, coughs and similar problems,
children age 6 and below should not ingest this essential oil as a
dietary supplement.
Do not use myrtle oil on pets, especially cats, as it is toxic to them.
Always consult your veterinarian prior to use. Pregnant and nursing
women should also consult their doctors before using myrtle or any type
of herbal oil.
Myrtle Oil Side Effects
No side effects have been noted for myrtle essential oil when used in normal dosages.15
Application of undiluted essential oil may cause allergic reactions,
such as skin irritations and reddening, in people with sensitive skin.
Before using myrtle or any oil, consult your doctor or seek advice from
an experienced aromatherapist.
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