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