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Myrtle Herb - Uses And Side Effects

In some parts of Greece, myrtle is used as a dye. Herbal preparations of myrtle come from the seeds and leaves of Myrtus communis, an evergreen shrub native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. This plant Is distinct from Madagascar myrtle (Eugenia jambolana) and common periwinkle (Vinca minor), though some people confuse the two plants.

Myrtle is the herb of fertility and has been traditionally used at weddings for centuries. Lithuanians, Latvians, Ukrainians and Germans use a sprig of myrtle in their bridal veil or wedding bouquets. With the brides permission I often place a sprig in the groom's boutonniere.

Common doses of Myrtle

Myrtle comes in extracts. Some experts recommend the following dose:

• As the essential oil, I to 2 milliliters taken orally daily.

Uses of Myrtle herb

Myrtle is used to treat bronchitis, bruises, bad breath, wounds, colds, sinusitis, and coughs. Specifically, myrtle may help to :-

• Diabetes
• Digestive disorders
• Repiratory congestion
• Urinary disorders
• Wounds

Myrtle is made into sachets and used in cooking.  In Crete, olive oil is flavored by steeping myrtle leaves in it for 3 weeks. Change the olive oil for sweet almond oil, and you would have a good consecration oil for Venus-oriented magick. Grind these leaves to release their wonderful scent.

Side effects of Myrtle

Call your health care practitioner if you experience an allergic reaction when using myrtle. This drug also can lower blood sugar.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking, especially:

• drugs metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P-450 system, such as certain antibiotics (including Ery- Tab and Nizoral), Coumadin, Inderal, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (including Advil and Naprosyn), Theo-Dur, and Tylenol
• insulin
• oral drugs that lower blood sugar (such as Amaryl, DiaBeta, Diabinese, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Precose, and Rezulin).

Important paints to remember

• Don't take myrtle if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you have diabetes, consult your health care practitioner before taking this herb.
• Don't take the essential oil internally except under a health care practitioner's super vision.

What the research shows

Although myrtle shows some promise in treating diabetes in animals, researchers haven't gathered much human data on this use. Medical experts don't recommend using the herb medicinally.

Other names for Myrtle

Other names for myrtle include bridal myrtle, common myrtle, Dutch myrtle, Jew's myrtle, mirtil, and Roman myrtle.