The Bog Myrtle, Myrica gale (perhaps labeled with the older names Gale palustris or Myrica palustris), is also known as Bayberry and Sweet Gale. It’s a hardy deciduous shrub which can reach a height and spread of 5′ (160cm), and is native to Europe, Asia and North America. It is not related to the Common Myrtle or the Lemon Myrtle.

As you might expect from its name, bog myrtle will only grow where the soil is wet, or at least moist. It’s happy in any soil, even soil which is very acid, and will grow in full sun or partial shade. If you want to produce fruit, you will need both a male and a female plant, but as the leaves are the part used in medicine, this is not essential unless you want to process the fruits to produce wax, which can be used to make naturally fragrant candles.

As bog myrtle is difficult to raise from seed, you will probably find it easier to buy a cutting or small plant from a nursery, and if you want fruit, you will need to buy one male and one female to ensure this.

Bog myrtle is an abortifacient, and is therefore not suitable for pregnant women or anybody trying for a baby.

Leaves may be chewed raw or used to make a standard infusion. To make this, use 30g (1 ounce) of dried or 3 handfuls of fresh to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) boiling water. Allow to stand for 3-4 hours and then strain. The dose is 75ml (1/3 US cup, 3 fl oz) up to 3 times a day. Do not exceed the stated dose.

Bog myrtle is used to promote menstruation, as a tonic especially useful during illness or stressful periods, and as a treatment for memory loss and the early signs of dementia.

As with all herbs intended for use as remedies, bog myrtle should be grown organically so as to ensure its active constituents are not weakened or entirely eliminated by the influence of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic bog myrtle visit the Gardenzone.

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