Myrtus communis
Botanical Nomenclature | Myrtus communis |
Common Name | Common Myrtle |
Taxonomy- Family | Myrtaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Myrtus communis is a perennial, evergreen plant growing from 1,5 to 5m, with simple, small, lanceolate, alternate, fragrant leaves and white, solitary, axillary flowers. The fruits are small, blue-black berries. The flowering and the harvesting take place from July to August. |
Region Found | Epirus (cultivated, not wild species) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, flowers, seeds |
Active Substances | Tannins, essential oil (which contains pinene, cineole and dipentene), flavonoids, resins, carbohydrates, citric acid, malic acid |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has hemostatic, tonic, antiseptic, aromatic and antimicrobial properties. It is recommended in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of urinary tract infections, digestive problems, bronchitis, sinusitis and dry cough. In folk medicine of Asia, especially in India it is used to treat cerebrovascular diseases, mainly against epilepsy. It is applied externally against acne, wounds, gingivitis, rheumatism, skin ulcers and haemorrhoids. Finally, it is orally administered against dysentery and diarrhea. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of infusion (a spoon of dried herb in boiling water for 5-10min, three times a day). It is applied externally to the skin in the form of oil, which is prepared by dissolving a quantity of powdered fruits (5-40 fruits) in an oily base. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects are reported. |
References | 1) http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/m/myrtus-communis=myrtle.php 2)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/myrtus.html 3) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail39.php 4) http://mde-didaktiki.biol.uoa.gr/mde8/gargeraki/pempti_selida.html 5) http://www.rodiaki.gr/article/171106/myrtos-h-koinh-myrtus-commun |