Herb's Introduction
Myrtus communis, commonly known as True Myrtle, is a significant herb with a rich history spanning across various cultures and continents. Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, this evergreen shrub is native to the Mediterranean region and southwestern Europe. Its historical use is deeply intertwined with ancient traditions, where it was revered as a symbol of love, beauty, and victory. The plant is characterized by its glossy, aromatic leaves and beautiful white flowers, which bloom in the summer, followed by dark blue or black berries. Beyond its ornamental and symbolic value, Myrtus communis has been a cornerstone in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Sidha, as well as a popular culinary ingredient. Its diverse applications, from therapeutic remedies to flavoring agents and perfumes, highlight its versatility and enduring relevance.
Name in Different Countries
The widespread cultivation and use of Myrtus communis have resulted in a variety of names across different languages and regions. These names often reflect its local significance, appearance, or traditional use. English: True Myrtle, Common Myrtle, Greek Myrtle, Swedish Myrtle Albanian: Mersinë e rëndomtë Amharic: አደስ (Ades) Arabic: ريحان (Rayhan) Armenian: Մրտենի (Mrteni), Մրտի (Mrti) Bengali: sutrsowa Bulgarian: Мирта (Mirta) Catalan: murta Chinese: 香桃木 (xiāng táo mù) Czech: Myrta obecná Esperanto: Ordinara mirto Estonian: Harilik mülrt Finnish: Välimerenmyrtti French: Myrte commun German: Brautmyrte Hebrew: הדס (Hadas) Hindi: Baragasha, Murad, विलायती मेहेंदी (Vilayati mehndi) Hungarian: Mirtusz Japanese: ギンバイカ (Ginbai-ka), マートル (Matoru) Kannada: murukulu gida Korean: 머틀 (meoteul) Maltese: Riħan Marathi: firangimethi, murt Russian: мирт (mirt) Sanskrit: गंधमालती (Gandhamalati) Spanish: Mirto Tamil: cativam, குழிநாவல் (kulinaval), sadevam, tevam, tevamamaram Telugu: chitti jama Turkish: Sazak Urdu: aas, barg-e-maurid, burg madar
Terminology
The botanical and traditional terminology associated with Myrtus communis provides a deeper understanding of its classification and historical use. Botanical Name: Myrtus communis L. The 'L.' stands for Carl Linnaeus, who first formally described the species. Family: Myrtaceae. This is a large family of flowering plants, mostly trees and shrubs, including other well-known plants like eucalyptus and tea tree. Synonyms: The extensive list of synonyms, such as M. acuta, M. angustifolia, and M. romana, reflects the historical and regional variations in its classification and naming. These names, though now considered invalid, show the plant's wide recognition and study over time. Common Names: The common names like True Myrtle and Common Myrtle are widely used to differentiate it from other species sometimes referred to as 'myrtle'. The name 'Swedish myrtle' often refers to its use as an indoor plant in colder climates. Traditional Medicine Terminology: In traditional systems, the plant is known by names like 'Gandhamalati' in Sanskrit and 'Vilayati mehndi' in Hindi, highlighting its aromatic properties and use in traditional remedies.
Availability
Myrtus communis is a plant that thrives in specific climates but is also widely cultivated. Its availability varies depending on the region and form of the product. Natural Habitat: It is native to the Mediterranean region, including countries in southwestern Europe and North Africa, where it grows wild in scrubs, on rocky slopes, and sand dunes. It is well-adapted to areas with mild winters. Cultivation: Due to its ornamental and aromatic qualities, it is cultivated globally, especially in warm temperate regions. It is also grown in gardens and flowerpots in colder climates, such as the Carpathians, where it is not native. Market Availability: Various parts of the plant are available in different forms: Fresh and Dried Leaves/Berries: These are often found in specialty herb and spice shops, especially in regions with Mediterranean cuisine. Essential Oil: Myrtle essential oil is widely available in health food stores, aromatherapy shops, and online, valued for its use in perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Herbal Products: Products like tinctures, decoctions, and poultices made from myrtle are available from traditional healers and in some herbal medicine shops.
External Look
Myrtus communis is an attractive evergreen shrub with distinct physical characteristics that make it easily recognizable. Growth Habit: It is a dense, multi-branched shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall. The young twigs are often glandular-hairy. Leaves: The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, and have a glossy, dark green surface. They are highly aromatic when crushed, due to the presence of oil glands, which can be seen as tiny dots when held up to the light. Flowers: The flowers are star-shaped with five white petals and numerous prominent, creamy-yellow stamens, giving them a delicate, feathery appearance. They are fragrant and bloom in the summer. Fruits: After flowering, the plant produces small, ovoid berries that ripen to a dark blue or black color. These berries are edible and have a unique flavor. Seeds: The seeds are reniform (kidney-shaped), hard, and have a glossy, pale-yellow surface with a greyish central part.
Healing Properties
Myrtus communis is renowned for its diverse healing properties, which have been utilized in various traditional medicine systems for centuries. The plant's medicinal benefits are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including essential oils, tannins, and flavonoids. Aromatic and Astringent: The leaves and berries are aromatic and possess astringent properties, which make them effective for treating digestive issues. Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: The essential oil and extracts have shown antiseptic activity against various bacteria and are used topically to treat wounds, ulcers, and skin conditions like eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties help in soothing conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. Respiratory Health: Myrtus communis is traditionally used for a range of respiratory ailments. An infusion or decoction of the leaves is recommended for conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and pulmonary disorders, and to check night sweats associated with phthisis (tuberculosis). Digestive Aid: The berries are known for their carminative properties, making them useful in treating stomach distress, diarrhea, and dysentery. Analgesic: The essential oil and tincture are noted to have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, though not as strong as menthol. It is used to alleviate headaches and toothaches. Other Traditional Uses: The plant is used in Unani medicine to treat bronchitis, headaches, and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). It is also believed to be beneficial for the blood, brain, hair, and heart. A hot poultice from the plant is applied to boils, and an infusion is used for conditions like leucorrhoea and prolapsus.
Advantages
The advantages of Myrtus communis extend beyond its medicinal properties, encompassing its culinary, cosmetic, and ornamental uses. Culinary Versatility: The spicy leaves and berries can be used fresh or dried to flavor a variety of dishes, including wild game meats, poultry, sauces, and stuffing. The dried flower buds and fruit can be crushed and used as a spice similar to peppercorns. Essential Oil: The essential oil is highly valued in perfumery and cosmetics for its attractive scent. It is also used as a flavoring agent in liqueurs and canned meats. Ornamental and Symbolic Value: The plant is a popular ornamental shrub for hedges and gardens. Its traditional use in bridal wreaths and triumphal garlands symbolizes love, purity, and victory. Tanning and Dyeing: The oil from the flowers, leaves, and berries, as well as the bark and roots, has been used for tanning fine leathers. The berries were also traditionally used to dye hair. Sustainable Use: The wood is hard, golden, and attractive, making it suitable for carving figurines and other decorative items. This offers a sustainable use for the plant beyond its leaves and berries.
Uses
Myrtus communis is a versatile plant with a wide range of uses, from traditional medicine to modern applications. Medicinal Uses: Stomach and Digestive Relief: Dried leaves are used to relieve stomachaches, and berries are used for diarrhea and dysentery. Skin and Wound Care: Powdered leaves are applied to eczema, wounds, and ulcers. Respiratory Remedies: Decoctions of the leaves are taken for headaches, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Antiseptic Mouthwash: A wash from the berries is used for fetid ulcers and as a mouthwash for aphthae (canker sores). Other Applications: Used to address condylomata, warts, and some forms of cancer in traditional practices. Culinary Uses: Spice and Flavoring: Leaves and berries are used to flavor meats, sauces, and stuffing. Beverages: Fresh myrtle fruit juice is used as an appetizer, and a tart drink is made from fermented fruits. Liquids: The essential oil is used to flavor liqueurs and canned meats. Other Uses: Perfumery: Myrtle oil is a classic component in perfumes and home-made cosmetic recipes. Tanning: The oil, bark, and roots are used in the tanning process. Ornamental: Widely grown as a hedge, a garden shrub, or an indoor potted plant. Potpourri: Dried flowers are added to potpourris for their pleasant scent. Ritual and Symbolism: Twigs are placed on graves and used in bridal wreaths and triumphal garlands.
Using Way
The methods of using Myrtus communis vary depending on the desired effect, from internal consumption to topical application. Decoction/Infusion: For internal medicinal use, a decoction is prepared by boiling leafy branches with flowers in water. This is a common way to treat headaches, stomach distress, and respiratory ailments. A simple infusion can also be made by steeping leaves in hot water to create a tea. Powder: Dried leaves can be powdered and applied directly to the skin for conditions like eczema, wounds, and ulcers. Essential Oil: The volatile oil obtained from the leaves is used in aromatherapy, for topical applications, and as a flavoring agent. It is often mixed with other oils or used in plasters and unguents. Poultice: A hot poultice can be made from the plant to apply to boils and other skin indurations. Mouthwash/Wash: A diluted decoction or an infusion can be used as a wash for fetid ulcers and as a mouthwash for oral conditions. Culinary Preparation: Fresh or dried leaves and berries can be added directly to food during cooking to impart their flavor. The berries can be crushed to be used as a spice. Ceremonial/Decorative Use: Fresh sprigs and flowers are used to create garlands, wreaths, and other decorations.
Conclusion
Myrtus communis, the True Myrtle, is a remarkable plant with a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and practical applications. Its journey from a sacred symbol in ancient cultures to a recognized herb in traditional medicine systems and a versatile ingredient in modern kitchens is a testament to its multifaceted value. From its fragrant leaves and beautiful flowers to its therapeutic properties and culinary uses, every part of the plant holds significance. The ability of Myrtus communis to serve as a medicinal remedy, a flavor enhancer, a cosmetic ingredient, and a beautiful ornamental highlights its enduring importance. As modern science continues to explore its chemical composition, the traditional knowledge surrounding this herb is being validated, ensuring that Myrtus communis will remain a cherished and beneficial plant for generations to come.
