Myrtle
Oil, Myrtus
communis from the
family Myrtaceae
It is native to North
Africa and cultivated
throughout the Mediterranean
region. Sometimes called
Corsican Pepper.
It is part of the same
family which includes eucalyptus and tea
tree.
It is a large bush or small
tree with many tough but
slender branches, a brownish
red bark and small pointed
leaves. It has flowers
followed by small black
berries. Both the leaves and
the flowers are very
fragrant.
The oil is a pale yellow,
orange liquid with a clear,
fresh, camphoraceous, sweet,
herbaceous scent similar to
eucalyptus. The oil comes
from the leaves and twigs. By
steam distillation.
The ancient Egyptians
knew of the therapeutic
qualities of myrtle,
macerating the leaves in wine
to counter fever and
infection. |
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