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