Updated 27 January 2024

Botanical characteristics

• Kingdom: Plantae 
• Division: Magnoliophyta 
• Class: Magnoliopsida 
• Order: Myrtales
• Family: Myrtaceae 
• Genus: Myrtus
• Part used: Leaves, flowering tops
• Country of origin: Mediterranean regions, Morocco

Precautions for use

Myrtle essential oil is preferably used in diluted form for topical application.

Ingestion should be under medical supervision, especially for children, as this oil may carry a risk of renal toxicity in high doses and/or over a long period of time.

Other precautions

Warning:

• Always consult a doctor before using pure myrtle essential oil in people with asthma.
• People with epilepsy should seek medical advice due to the epileptogenic risk of this essential oil in high doses.
• Do not give to children without medical advice.

Cutaneous use:

• Myrtle essential oil is irritating to the skin and should be diluted 20% in vegetable oil (20% essential oil with 80% vegetable oil) before application to the skin.

Diffusion: 

• Pregnant women and babies over 3 months can use this essential oil in diffusion.

Contraindications:

• This essential oil can be potentially nephrotoxic if ingested in high doses over a long period of time.

Allergenic components:

Myrtle essential oil contains several allergenic biochemicals:

• Limonene (9-15%)
• Linalool (≤5.5%)
• Geraniol (≤0.8%)
• Lemonellol (≤0.3%)
• Eugenol (≤0.1%)

Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).

Authorised users

 Adults and adolescents

  Children under 6 years

  Pregnant and breastfeeding women

 Pregnant women younger than 3 months

 Infants under 3 years old

Risks of use