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.

Myrtle Trees

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 Benefits

In as far back as ancient Greece, people cherished the application of myrtle. Greek athletes were said to have worn wreaths of evergreen myrtle leaves during the Olympics. Ancient civilizations believed that myrtle was a symbol of immortality, and they used it in love potions and as treatment 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.

Scientists in the 1980s put myrtle under the microscope in an attempt to identify the active ingredients that give the plant so many medicinal properties. There were indications from one study that herbal extracts of myrtle can decrease the blood sugar found in mice. This offers an explanation as to the association associating of myrtle with diabetes. It's important to note, however, that there is still no concrete proof that myrtle is safe to use and effective for people who have the disease.

Directions for Use

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.

Although uncommon, topical myrtle extract formulations can also be used. Again, be sure to use this herbal treatment only under your doctor's supervision.

There are two types of myrtle, and it's important that you do not confuse the two. Myrtus communis is known as "true" myrtle, and is the plant described here. The other variety, called "Madagascar Myrtle" (Eugenia jambolana), is a completely different plant and has entirely 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.

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Contributor Mabel Dugmore writes for several well-known web sites, on health article and doula training issues. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.