Description
The mild and gentle Myrtle essential oil has an uplifting effect on the body and mind and is helpful when used in cases of addiction and self-destructive behaviour – it is said to cleanse the inner being and dissolve disharmony.
It has an excellent healing effect on acne prone skin as it is bactericidal and antiseptic.
Oil properties
Myrtle Essential Oil has a clean camphoraceous smell, similar to eucalyptus and usually has a pale yellow to orange colour.
Origin of Myrtle
Myrtle essential oil comes from the same family as eucalyptus, tea tree, bayberry and English bog myrtle. Myrtle is a small tree or large bush with lots of small, tough branches, small shaply pointed leaves and flowers followed by small, black berries. The leaves and flowers have a prominent fragrance.
Myrtle has been used in herbal medicine since ancient Egyptian times, as there are records showing the leaves being steeped in wine to combat fever and infection. The plant was dedicated to Aphrodite in Ancient Greece and Dioscorides prescribed macerated Myrtle wine to patients suffering from lung and bladder infections, as well as for tuberculosis. Dr Delious de Savgnac (1876) recommended Myrtle for the treatment of haemorrhoids, pulmonary infections, genital infections and problems with the bladder and urinary system.
Extraction
Myrtle Essential Oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of myrtus communis by stem distillation.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components are alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene, cineole, alpha-terpinen-4-ol, myrtenol, geraniol, linalyl acetate, myrtenyl acetate and carvacrol.
Precautions
It is classed as a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil – excessive use of it can lead to headaches and nausea.
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of myrtle essential oil are anticatarrhal, antiseptic, astringent, bactericidal, expectorant and balsamic.
Uses
Myrtle essential oil is primarily used for chronic pulmonary conditions, to expel phlegm and cattarh from the lungs. It is useful for acne prone skin and also as a sleeping aid, to uplift, refresh and restore. Myrtle oil is said to be of great benefit in helping people to cope with withdrawal from addiction and also to soothe and ease self destructive behavior.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy Myrtle Essential Oil can be helpful with combating symptoms of addiction withdrawal and feelings of anger, greed, envy and fear. Using Myrtle essential oil in vapor therapy is also useful for the removal of bronchial cattarh and for other lung infections. Its gentle effect is said to be of great influence when treating lung complaints in chilgren and the elderly.
- Blended Massage Oil and in the Bath
- As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath, Myrtle essential oil will assist with physical exhaustion, insomnia, depression, anxiety, nervous tension and stress while having a calming and uplifting effect, reducing the effects of addiction withdrawal and will help to conbat infection and open the lungs.
- Blended in a Cream
- In a cream or lotion it is used to balance the production of sebum in the skin and thereby correcting and balancing overly-dry as well as overly-oily skin. The astringent, deodorizing and non-sensitizing effects of Myrtle essential oil are most effective when used on acne and oily, infected skin. Myrtle oil has an astringent effect on piles, if used in a diluted form together with cypress essential oil and witch hazel hydrosol.
More information about Myrtle Oil
Skin Care ~ regenerating properties ~ tightens the skin & helps to diminish fine lines & wrinkles ~ recommended for mature & ageing skin ~ beneficial for treating oily skin, open pores, acne, blemishes, oily skin, bruises, psoriasis, open pores & skin irritations ~ useful as a body deodorant
Hair Care ~ effective for treating head lice & nits
Body Care ~ aphrodisiac properties ~ helps alleviate impotency, frigidity, erectile dysfunctions & loss of libido
Digestive System ~ recommended for treating haemorrhoids ~ beneficial for stomach infections & diarrhea
Immune System ~ boosts the immunity ~ protects wounds from infection ~ recommended for inflammation & irritation from allergies
Lymphatic System ~ beneficial for glandular & thyroid function
Musculoskeletal System ~ combats muscle fatigue, cramps & stiffness ~ muscular & joint aches & pains ~ helpful for arthritis & rheumatism
Nervous System ~ relaxes & sedates ~ stabilises nerves & keeps you from becoming nervous or stressed over small issues ~ beneficial for nervous & neurotic disorders, shaking limbs, fear, vertigo, anxiety, tension, annoyance, anger, distress. depression & chronic stress
Respiratory System ~ beneficial for asthma, bronchitis, coughs & breathing troubles ~ helps relieve mucus ~ effective for chest infections for babies & the elderly
*Extremely beneficial for children, use instead of Eucalyptus oil at night as Myrtle oil is slightly sedative unlike Eucalyptus Oil which has a stimulating aroma ~ recommended as a chest rub, inhalation or oil burner at night
Urinary System ~ treats urinary tract, cystitis,bladder infections & leucorrhea
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ elevating & euphoric ~ helpful for meditation & lifting the spirit ~ carries deep inner wisdom and serves as a companion for the dying ~ teaches us that divine love embraces all living beings ~supports the unsupported ~ spiritual energy is truth & forgiveness ~ cleanses the delicate inner being to dissolve disharmony ~ releases anger & inner conflict ~ helpful for those who feel suppressed or confused in life ~ clarifying, purifying & protective ~useful for additive, self destructive & obsessive compulsive behaviour
Blends well with ~ Bay, Benzoin, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cananga, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Coriander, Dill, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Lemon Scanted, Fir Needle, Frankincense, eranium, Ginger, Gingergrass, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Lime, Mandarin, May Chang, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Orange, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Pine, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Spearmint, Tangerine, Tea Tree, Thyme, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritating & non-sensitizing
