Updated 14 January 2024

Botanical characteristics

• Latin name: Myrtus communis CT Cineole
• Kingdom: Plantae 
• Division: Magnoliophyta 
• Class: Magnoliopsida 
• Order: Myrtales
• Family: Myrtaceae 
• Genus: Myrtus
• Distilled part: leaves and flowers

Authorised users

 Adults and adolescents

 Pregnant and breastfeeding women

 Infants under 3 years old

Routes of administration

• Oral route: +++ 
• Skin: +++

Scientific properties

• Antihistamine for respiratory allergies 
• Mucolytic and expectorant
• Intestinal cleanser
• Lung cleaner, increases breathing capacity 
• Eye antiseptic
• Antifungal Immunostimulant
• Venous decongestant, lymphatic decongestant
• Astringent

Energy Properties

• Inability to adapt, lack of flexibility
• Attachment to old mental patterns, lack of open-mindedness 
• Refusal to heal, resistance to accepting healing 
• Self-destructive attitudes, addictions (tobacco, alcohol, etc.)
• Stubbornness

Indications

• Rhinitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Cough
• Asthma
• Varicose veins
• Heavy legs
• Oily hair
• Acne
• Irritated skin
• Conjunctivitis
• Irritated eyes
• Restlessness, nervousness
• Mental and physical tiredness
• Mycosis
• Candidiasis

Directions for use/usual dosage

• For smoking cessation, possibly in combination with Scots pine hydrosol, as a 40-day internal course.
• For asthma or hay fever, dilute a teaspoon of hydrosol in a glass of water and drink 3 times a day, as a 20-day course, to be repeated if necessary.
• As a colonic, mixed with other hydrosols, for mycosis.
• As a compress for irritated eyes.

Precautions for use/contraindications

• None known

Cosmetic

• Tonic, astringent
• Antiseptic
• Care for oily, acne prone skin
• Skin infections, fungal infections 
• Eye care, eye irritation

Interior use

• This hydrosol can be used as a spray or mixed with other hydrosols to purify the air in winter.​

Additional information

Habitat and botanical description

This bushy shrub can reach a height of 5 metres. Its leaves are 2 to 5 cm long, opposite, oval, glossy and dark green. The flowers are solitary, five-petalled, 1 to 2 cm in diameter, with a central tuft of white stamens and a heady fragrance. They bloom from June to October.
The fruits are elongated, ellipsoidal berries, purple-black in colour, 1⁄2 to 1 cm in diameter, which are used to make a liqueur in Corsica.

Mythology / History / Anecdotes and traditional virtues

The Greeks and Romans used it to treat lung and urinary tract problems. In the 16th century it was used as a cosmetic. Today, in Corsica, the branches are used to make baskets.