Common Myrtle for UTIs, BV and internal ulcers
The Common Myrtle, Myrtus communis, is also called True Myrtle or just Myrtle. Despite the similar name, it’s not related to the Bog Myrtle – they’re not even in the same botanical family. It’s also not related to the Lemon Myrtle.
Myrtle is an evergreen shrub which reaches a height of around 14 feet (4.5m) after some years and is happy pretty much anywhere well drained and not in the shade, even on sites exposed to sea winds. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. As myrtle is self-fertile you only need one, even if you intend to use the fruit, which is helpful if you only have a small garden! If you do want fruit, be careful to pick a single-flowered cultivar, as the doubles may not produce as much (or any) fruit.
Leaves, fruit and essential oil of myrtle are all used medicinally in different ways. The leaves can be picked for use as required, or dried for later use. The fruits are available in Fall, and can be gathered for immediate use – or again, dried. Leaves and fruits should be dried separately. To dry leaves or fruits, lay them out in a single layer somewhere out of the sun and with a free flow of air. Check then every day or so, turning them over regularly until they are completely dry, then store in an airtight container, in a colored jar and/or in a dark place. Leaves can be crumbled before storage.
It’s not really practicable to distil essential oil at home, but it can be purchased from reputable suppliers. To make a standard leaf infusion, use 30g (1 ounce) of dried or 3 handfuls of fresh leaves to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) boiling water and allow to stand for 15 minutes to 4 hours, then strain before use. A standard fruit infusion is made in the same way but using 3 tsp fruit, fresh or dried. The dose in either case is 80ml (1/3 US cup) up to 3 times a day.
The essential oil can be used as a topical treatment for acne, as a rub for rheumatic pain and as a general antiseptic. The infusion of leaves can be used internally to treat urinary tract infections, indigestion, bacterial vaginosis, coughs and sinusitis, as a mouthwash for gum disease and a wash for skin infections. The fruit infusion is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, internal ulcers and externally for hemorrhoids.
As with all plants grown for medicinal use, Myrtle should be grown organically so as to ensure that its active constituents are not masked or corrupted by the presence of non-native substances. To find out more about growing organic myrtle visit the Gardenzone.
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July 11th, 2009 at 06:42
Whether you have yeast infection or urinary tract infection, you may experience the same symptom, a burning sensation. So, how do you know that you have one, not the other? The doctor told me that if you are yeast infection sufferer, you would not feel the burning as long as the urine is inside the tube. Once it comes out of your body, you will feel the burning. On the other hand, you will have a symptom of burning when the urine is coming down the tube if you have urinary tract infection.
March 13th, 2010 at 14:41
Thanks for all the useful information. Your insight is very keen. Keep it up.
March 15th, 2010 at 21:27
Aw… You’re making me blush. But thanks!