Myrtle

Myrtus communis

MYRTENVÄXTER

Myrtaceae

Myrtle has, especially in Mediterranean countries where it is native, played an important role in all kinds of cult ceremonies and rites. Egyptians used myrtle as an ornamental in the festivities. With the Greeks were myrtle sacred to Aphrodite, the Romans to Venus. Of myrtle intertwined to ärekransar and wedding wreaths.

When the custom of adorning the bride with a wreath of myrtle occurred in Central Europe, it was only during the late Middle Ages - it must be according to some researchers have been associated with a tea prepared by myrtenblad was preventing pregnancy: myrtenkransen was a sign that the bride after the wedding did not have to drink this tea. Bridal wreath of myrtle became common in this country until the 1800s. Myrtle, forming dense thickets, has glossy, evergreen leaves with aromatic fragrance that is covered with a variety of oil glands. The white, fragrant flowers bloom in May and the berries ripen in the fall. Previously, myrtle a very common houseplant.

Occurrence: Occurs as wild in Mediterranean countries, especially in coastal areas. Located stiff leaf bushes in the so-called macchia. Goes up to 800 m. In this country sometimes cultivated as a pot plant.

Characteristics: A 3-5 m tall, strongly branched shrub. Leaves evergreen, leathery, shiny, lansettformiga and helbräddade. They have short stems, seated crosswise opposite, rarely in groups of three, and are fitted with oil glands. Flowers white (May-July), stems, solitary in leaf folds. Sepals 5, petals 5, long-handled numerous stamens, l protruding pins. Wear black. Flowers smell aromatic, pepparlik, berries taste sour, kryddartad

Using plant parts: Leaves (August). Fruits (September-October).

Content Topics: Tanning, essential oil with pinene, camphene and seskviterpenalkoholen myrtenol. Citric acid, malic acid, vitamin C.

Medical action: astringent, antiseptic.

Usage: Today In limited bronchitis, coughs, sinusitis. Topical products for hemorrhoids, psoriasis, ulcers.