| Myrtle is a wonder herb derived from a family | | | | |
| of shrubs and trees collectively known as | | | | In addition to healing wounds, myrtle is said |
| Myrtaceae. These plants are almost entirely | | | | to be anti-infective and is a good tonic for |
| located in tropical regions including | | | | speeding up the healing process. In the |
| Australia and America. Myrtle can also be | | | | Middle East, it has long been perceived by |
| found growing in North Africa, Iran and in | | | | traditional healers as a useful herb for |
| the Mediterranean. | | | | diabetes. |
| | | | |
| Myrtle Trees | | | | Scientists in the 1980s put myrtle under the |
| | | | microscope in an attempt to identify the |
| Myrtle trees are distinguished by the | | | | active ingredients that give the plant so |
| evergreen leaves that contain those valuable | | | | many medicinal properties. There were |
| and aromatic volatile oils. Many varieties of | | | | indications from one study that herbal |
| myrtle produce gums, resins and flashy | | | | extracts of myrtle can decrease the blood |
| blossoms. The myrtle tree also produces black | | | | sugar found in mice. This offers an |
| berries which, along with the leaves, are | | | | explanation as to the association associating |
| used in aromatherapy applications. | | | | of myrtle with diabetes. It's important to |
| | | | note, however, that there is still no |
| Health Advantages of Myrtle | | | | concrete proof that myrtle is safe to use and |
| | | | effective for people who have the disease. |
| In as far back as ancient Greece, people | | | | |
| cherished the application of myrtle. Greek | | | | Directions for Use |
| athletes were said to have worn wreaths of | | | | |
| evergreen myrtle leaves during the Olympics. | | | | Myrtle extract is taken from the plant's |
| Ancient civilizations believed that myrtle | | | | leaves and seeds. Studies have shown positive |
| was a symbol of immortality, and they used it | | | | results when the plant extract is taken |
| in love potions and as treatment for various | | | | orally and in liquid form. The standard dose |
| ailments. | | | | of liquid myrtle extra is one to two |
| | | | milliliters taken daily. Always ask your |
| In the era of the Roman Empire, myrtle was | | | | doctor before taking myrtle. |
| used to treat urinary and respiratory | | | | |
| ailments. Egyptians used the plant to treat | | | | Although uncommon, topical myrtle extract |
| nervous afflictions. French women drank tea | | | | formulations can also be used. Again, be sure |
| made from crushed myrtle leaves, believing | | | | to use this herbal treatment only under your |
| that it would help to preserve their youthful | | | | doctor's supervision. |
| appearance and overall vigor. Some actually | | | | |
| believed myrtle to hold a cure for cancer, | | | | There are two types of myrtle, and it's |
| but little evidence was found to prove the | | | | important that you do not confuse the two. |
| theory. | | | | Myrtus communis is known as "true" myrtle, |
| | | | and is the plant described here. The other |
| Myrtle has been conventionally used to treat | | | | variety, called "Madagascar Myrtle" (Eugenia |
| coughs, bronchitis and other respiratory | | | | jambolana), is a completely different plant |
| infections. The astringent properties of | | | | and has entirely different effects on the |
| myrtle have also earned the reputation for | | | | body. |
| promoting good digestion, treating urinary | | | | |
| tract disorders, and preventing wound | | | | Myrtle is believed to work well with other |
| infections. Recent laboratory studies suggest | | | | herbs and nutritional supplements. However, |
| that the herb contains anti-inflammatory | | | | it should not be used if you are taking |
| substances, making it a viable astringent | | | | insulin or oral sulfonylureas. The herb may |
| compound. This finding accounts for the | | | | increase the levels of blood glucose, and |
| plant's enduring popularity as a wound and | | | | reduce the effects of your medications. |
| cough treatment. | | | | |