Myrtle
Botanical name:
Family:
Common names:
Geographic origin:
Cultivation:
Extraction method:
Place of manufacture:
Date of manufacture:
Plant parts used:
Note classification:
Shelf life:
Myrtus communis L.
Myrtaceae
True myrtle, green myrtle
South-West Turkey
Wild harvested
Steam distillation
Gökova, Turkey
September 2021
Leaves
Middle/top
5 years
Description
Myrtle (or green myrtle) is an evergreen shrub that is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia. It can grow up to 5 meters. It has fragrant white/pink flowers and small (2-5 cm), ovate, deep green leaves. Myrtle is one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species from the Myrtaceae family. Dried and fresh leaves of myrtle has been used for medicinal purposes and as flavouring spice. The bark and roots are used to tan leather.
​
In Greek mythology, myrtle was commonly associated with goddess Aphrodite, representing beauty and love. It was regarded as a holy plant in ancient Persia and in 16th century Europe it was a major ingredient of skin lotion “angel water”.
Myrtle leaves, which are used to produce Goya Botanicals Myrtle Essential Oil, are wildcrafted from the mountains of south-west Turkey. Unpressurised steam distillation ensures the finest quality of Goya Botanicals Myrtle Essential Oil which is predominantly constituted by α-pinene, 1,8-cineole (Eucalyptol) and linalool. It has floral and herbaceous aroma.
Uses & Benefits
Myrtle is used in food industry, for flavouring meat and sauces, in perfumery and cosmetic industries(1). In traditional medicine it is well known for its anti-septic, disinfectant and hypoglycaemic properties(2). In ancient Egypt and Greece, myrtle is used for curing respiratory complaints, diarrhoea, urinary disorders, menstrual problems and in the bites of poisonous spiders and scorpions(3).
​
The essential oil of myrtle is used internally for bronchitis, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, and prostatitis(4). Because its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing effects, myrtle essential oil is also used for relieving the pain and decreasing the size of ulcers in minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis situations(5). Moreover, it is a safe skin-soothing substance effective for treating acne by reducing the number of erythema(6)..
​
Recent studies had also proved that the myrtle essential oil is an effective insect repellent(7).
GC/MS Analysis & Technical Data Sheet
References & Disclaimer
-
Chalchat, J. C., Garry, R. P., & Michet, A. (1998). Essential oil of Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) of the Mediterranean Littoral. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 10, 613–617.
-
Elfellah, M. S., Akhter, M. H., Khan, M.T. (1984). Anti-hyperglycaemic effect of an extract of Myrtus communis in streptozotocin induced diabetes in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 11, 275–281.
-
Sisai, M., Gashaw, T. (2017). Ethnobotanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical studies of Myrtus communis Linn.: A popular herb in Unani system of medicine. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 22, 1035–1043.
-
Mahboubi, M. (2017). Effectiveness of Myrtus communis in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Review of Integrative Medicine, 15, 351–358.
-
Mahboubi, M. (2016). Myrtus communis L. and its application in treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, 481–489.
-
Kim, K.Y., Jang, H.H., Lee, S.N. et al. (2018). Effects of the myrtle essential oil on the acne skin clinical trials for Korean women. biomed Dermatol, 2, 28.
-
Hennia, A., Nemmiche, S., Dandlen, S., Miguel, M.G. (2019). Myrtus communis essential oils: Insecticidal, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities: a review. Journal of Essential Oil Research.
​
Essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful herbal liquids that might have strong chemical and biological effects. The statement above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to offer professional medical advice or treatment for any condition. Goya Botanicals shall not be responsible for any harm resulting from the use of or reliance upon this information.
