Myrtle 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 that is extracted 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.

A typical chemical composition of myrtle is: a-pinen (8.18%), B-pinene (0.19%), limonene (7.58%), 1,8-cineole (29.89%), a-terpinen-4-ol (0.22%), myrtenol (0.58%), geraniol (0.3%), linalyl acetate (0.53%), myrtenyl acetate (35.9%), carvacrol (0.6%)

• Its properties are anticatarrhal, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, bactericidal, expectorant.
• It is particularly uplifting and refreshing and also soothe feelings of anger, greed, envy or fear.
• It is used in chronic conditions of the lungs where there is excessive bronchial catarrh.
• It is said to treat haemorrhoids particularly when mixed with witch hazel and cypress oil.
• It is used to clean the skin where infected or when acne is present.

It is non toxic, non irritant and non sensitizing

Methods of use: Bath, massage, vaporisation and as a disinfectant

Cautions: Do not use in pregnancy - Do not use on sensitive skin.