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Myrtle is the common term used for a family of shrubs and trees collectively known as Myrtaceae. This plant group is almost entirely located in tropical regions, most prominently in America and Australia. Additionally, myrtle can be found growing in Iran, North Africa and in the Mediterranean.

The Tree

Myrtle trees are distinguished by the evergreen leaves that contain those valuable and aromatic volatile oils. Many varieties of myrtle produce gums, resins and flashy blossoms. The myrtle tree also produces black berries which, along with the leaves, are used in aromatherapy applications.

Health Advantages

The application of myrtle can be traced back to the time of the ancient Greeks. It was said that athletes wore evergreen wreaths of myrtle leaves atop their heads during the Olympics. Believing that it was a symbol of immortality, they also used it in many love potions and treatments for various ailments.

In the era of the Roman Empire, myrtle was used to treat urinary and respiratory ailments. Egyptians used the plant to treat nervous afflictions. French women drank tea made from crushed myrtle leaves, believing that it would help to preserve their youthful appearance and overall vigor. Some actually believed myrtle to hold a cure for cancer, but little evidence was found to prove the theory.

More recently, myrtle has been used to treat coughs and respiratory ailments including bronchitis. Myrtle has strong astringent properties that make it quite useful in preventing infections, promoting good digestion and treating urinary tract disorders. There are recent laboratory studies that indicate anti-inflammatory substances in myrtle, making it a useful astringent compound. This is likely why the plant is still used to treat wounds and coughs.

In addition to offering healing properties, myrtle is said to be a good anti-infective tonic used to speed up the healing process. Traditional healers in the Middle East have long believed that myrtle is a useful herb for treating diabetes.

The 1980s saw scientists putting the myrtle herb under the microscope in an attempt to identify the active ingredients that lends it its various medicinal properties. Results of one study indicated that extract from the herb can decrease blood sugar in mice. This explains the association associating myrtle with diabetes. However, there is still no concrete proof that the herb is safe to use and effective for people who have the disease.

Myrtle Extract

Myrtle extract is created from plant's leaves and seeds. Most tests have shown positive results if the plant extract is taken orally and in liquid form. A standard dose is usually around one to two milliliters of the essential oil daily. Be sure that you ask your doctor first before taking it.

Topical formulations are also used although not common. Again, make sure to use this plant only under your doctor's supervision.

If using myrtle, be sure that you are able to distinguish between the two types of plants. The "true" myrtle plant, myrtus communis, is the one with beneficial properties. "Madagascara Myrtle" is another plant altogether, and it has completely different effects on the body.

It is believed that myrtle can be beneficial when taken with other herbs and nutritional supplements, but it should not be taken if you are using insulin or oral sulfonylureas. This powerful herb may increase the blood glucose and lower the effects of these medications.