Common Name: Myrtle
Scientific Name: Myrtle communis
Origin: Tunisia, France, Corsica, Spain, Morocco and Italy
Essential Oil Properties and Characteristics
Myrtle essential oil is pale-yellow to orange-yellow mobile liquid with a fresh, camphoraceous, spicy and floral-herbaceous odour.
Origin and History
Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree, between 3-7m, with many branches, a brownish-red bark and small sharp pointed leaves. It has fragrant white or pinkish flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia.
The ancient Persians regarded myrtle as a holy plant. Myrtle was a symbol of love and peace to the Jews and the Greeks regarded is as sacred. In the 16th century the leaves and flowers were the major ingredient of a skin lotion known as 'angels' water. The berries are used in bitters and certain liqueurs.
Schnaubelt describes green myrtle as a gentle oil which is regenerating, astringent and anti-allergenic.
Myrtle carries a deep inner wisdom and may serve as a companion for the dying. Worwood says that the spirit of myrtle is energetic truth and forgiveness, giving support to the unsupported and teaching us that divine love embraces all living beings.
Method of Extraction
Myrtle essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of M. communis, and in some places, the flowers, which are highly fragrant, and also included. This may explain the significant difference between the myrtle oils from various regions.
Precautions During Use (Contraindications)
Myrtle essential oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising
Myrtle essential oil has clarifying, cleansing, refreshing and uplifting properties. It is said to be an oil that is emotionally cleansing, curbing self-defeating feelings and addictions.
Myrtle essential oil blends well with bergamot, clary sage, clove, hyssop, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, thyme and tea tree
Source: Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2003, ISBN 0-6464-2896-9