myrtle, with its fragrant pink or white flowers

Myrtle, that charming garden shrub with its fragrant pink or white flowers, growing in the warm Mediterranean sunshine, appears in a lot of ancient literature.

In Greek mythology and ritual, for example, Myrtle was sacred to the goddess Aphrodite, and in Rome Myrtle was especially dear to Venus.  Throughout the Mediterranean, Myrtle was symbolic of love and immortality.

In Roman tradition, oils pressed from the leaves were used for healing and soothing wounds, as well as scenting the ritual baths taken by brides before their wedding.

Myrtle Essential Oil is traditionally known to help with sinus and respiratory infections. Being a gentle oil with no side effects, it is ideal in the winter season to protect family members of all ages from catching colds and coughs. And if one does have a cold then Myrtle Oil drives away phlegm, clears congestion in the nasal tracts, and relieves the bronchial tubes and lungs.

Myrtle oil is an astringent and is often used as an excellent skin tonic. It improves oily skin and helps against wrinkles. Because of its astringent quality, it can be used as a mouthwash. It can even help to ease varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Finally, as a harmonious, relaxing oil that naturally brings about equilibrium, Myrtle dissolves stress and tension and soothes and balances emotions. Myrtle essential oil can be diffused in the room to transform any sadness and grief into a loving and positive atmosphere; it is useful during meditation, and a few drops in the diffuser or aroma lamp will bring a gentle, soothing sleep. It is beneficial against nervous and neurotic disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, shaking limbs, fear, vertigo and anxiety.

Because of its association with the goddess of love, the myrtle flower is often included in bridal bouquets. Crowns of myrtle are used in the Ukrainian wedding ceremony, and in Britain, it is a royal tradition to carry in their wedding bouquets, a sprig of myrtle from a plant that still grows in the garden that Queen Victoria planted 170 years ago. Katherine Middleton followed the same tradition when she married Prince William in Westminster Abbey in April 2011.

Now as Duchess of Cambridge, has a baby girl, Charlotte, who, one day, will surely include Myrtle in her wedding bouquet!

Our VedAroma Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtis cummunis Ct.cineole)) is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Myrtle bush that grows wild in Morocco.

Our VedAroma Green Myrtle (Myrtis cummunis Ct.myrteny acetate) is grown and distilled in France. It is certified organic and a  particularly good choice for supporting the respiratory system. As well as using it in a micro-diffuser or aroma lamp, it can also be used as an inhalant, or diluted for massage, or a few drops in the bath.