Family
- Myrtaceae
Constituents
- Myrtle leaves contain tannins, resinous and bitter substances, camphene, and about 0.3% essence.
- Gasoline, obtained by distillation, is a colorless or yellow liquid soluble in alcohol and oils. It contains pinene, dipentene, cineol, and myrtenol.
- The berries contain tannins, resins, sugars, citric and malic acids. The seeds yield a fatty oil composed of linolein, myristin, and palmitin.
Parts used
- Leaves, flowers and fruits
Properties
- Antiseptic
- Disinfectant
- Adstringent
- Hemostatic
- Softening
- Decongestant
Indications
- Wound healing
- Wounds
- Boils
- Abscess
- Skin diseases and infections that lead to the appearance of pus
- Psoriasis
- Lung diseases (pulmonary tuberculosis)
- Otitis
- Sinusitis
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhoids
- Leucorrhea (white discharge)
- Lice (óleo essencial)
- Gingivitis
Side effects
-
Contraindications
It is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women and for children.
Myrtle essential oils should be used sparingly because of the irritation they can cause in high doses.
Caution: Plants are not trivial remedies. Never exceed the indicated doses.
Interactions
-
Forms of use
For internal use
Against lung diseases:
- Infusion:
- Boil 10 g of dried leaves to 1 liter of water.
- Leave to infuse for 10 minutes and strain before drinking.
- Take 2 cups a day
- Decoction:
- Put 10 g of dried leaves in cold water.
- Boil in 1 liter of water for 10 minutes and strain before drinking.
- Take 2 cups a day
For external use
Against abscesses, boils and skin diseases:
- Compresses:
- Make the decoction indicated for internal use.
- Place the mixture between two cloths and apply to the lesions (2 or 3 applications per day).
Against gingivitis:
- Mix 5 ml of essential oils of myrtle, tea tree, lemon and noble bay in 50 ml of St. John's wort oil.
- Wash and disinfect the gums with alcohol.
- Pour a few drops of the mixture on your finger and massage your gums.
- Perform 3 massages a day, after meals.