Botanical Name Myrtus communis
Family Myrtaceae
Source Leaves
Origin Tunisia
Processing Method Steam Distilled
Color/Consistency A thin, reddish brown liquid.
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma A middle note with a medium aroma, Myrtle Essential Oil has a clear, fresh scent that is mildly camphoraceous, similar to that of Eucalyptus.
Blends With Benzoin, Bergamot, Elemi, Eucalyptus, Black Pepper, Cedar Wood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Ho Wood, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Clary Sage,Coriander, Melissa, Rosewood, and Ylang-Ylang.
Product Abstract
Myrtle is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white or pink flowers. It is native to North Africa but is commonly found in the southern Mediterranean region including France, Spain, Corsica, Tunisia and Italy. Myrtle essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs and sometimes the flowers. Myrtle's leaves and fruits have been widely used as folk medicine for the treatment of digestive, pulmonary and skin problems in many parts of the world. Its essential oil, which possesses much of the healthful properties of the plant, is also popular among aromatherapy practitioners. Discover what you can gain from having a bottle of myrtle oil stocked in your home by reading the information below.
History
This aromatic evergreen shrub originates from Africa, and grows all around the Mediterranean. It was introduced to Britain in 1597, but generally only flourishes in the south, or under glass (it can also be grown as a pot plant). It has small, shiny, dark green leaves which contain vesicles full of essential oil. The flowers are fragrant and white, five-petalled with a spectacular spray of thin stamens. These are followed by purple-black berries.
Harvesting/Extraction Information
Myrtus communis is obtained by the steam distillation of the myrtle plant’s flowers, leaves, and stem, which is called Myrtus Communis in the botanical world. Its main constituents are Cineol, Myrtenol, Pinene, Myrtenyl Acetate, Geraniol, Linalool, Camphene, and Borneol.
Common Usage
Caution
There is no inherent risk in using myrtle essential oil, but as always, pay attention to your body’s reaction to any new substance or supplement, and consult a doctor if anything unusual occurs.
Key constituents
b-Caryophyllene 11.0%
b-Myrcene 9.5%
(þ)-Limonene 7.2%
d-Cadinene 4.7%
a-Caryophyllene 4.4%
a-Phellandrene 4.2%
Germacrone 3.7%
g-Elemene 3.3%
a-Cadinolþunidentified 2.9%
a-Selinene 2.6%
p-Cymene 2.5%
(E)-b-Ocimene 2.3%
a-Longipinene 1.7%
(Z)-b-Ocimene 1.7%
Selin-11-en-4-ol 1.7%
(E)-Nerolidol 1.5%
Caryophyllene oxide 1.2%
1,8-Cineole 1.1%
a-Bisabolol 1.0%
Safety summary
Hazards None known.
Contraindications None known.
Organ-specific effects
Adverse skin reactions No information found.
Systemic effects
Acute toxicity No information found.
Carcinogenic/anticarcinogenic potential A bog myrtle oil hydrodistilled in Canada and containing 12.1–23.2% myrcene, 6.8–11.2% (þ)-limonene, 9.3–11.0% b-caryophyllene and 6.5–9.9% a-phellandrene demonstrated anticarcinogenic activity against human lung carcinoma (A-549) and human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines. The differences in constituent percentage were due to two distillation times both being used. The 60 minute fraction had a greater activity, possibly due to a higher sesquiterpene content. b-Caryophyllene, a-caryophyllene and (þ)-limonene display anticarcinogenic activity. a-Cadinol is active against human colon cancer cells, and germacrone is active against human breast cancer cells.
Comments
The plant, which has a reputation for repelling small flying insects, grows in many parts of the world, but the oil is only distilled in Canada. Limited availability.
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