Myrtle

Myrtle is an evergreen plant known to mankind for many millennia. He was given special importance in ancient times and was considered a companion of the gods. The myrtle tree is a valuable source of essential oil. The name of this plant in other languages ​​sounds like this:

• Deutsch – Braut-Myrte, Gemeine Myrte, Korsischer Pfeffer;
• English - myrtle, Greek myrtle;
• French - myrte, vrai myrte.

Myrtle is a low shrub (the maximum height of some subspecies is 5 meters). The leaves are dark green, rounded, pointed at the end. The inflorescences are white, round and fluffy. The fruits are blue-black berries with a diameter of about 1 cm.

There are two types of myrtle tree:

• ordinary - differs in small foliage and beige or slightly reddish inflorescences;
• Saharan - is an endangered species, grows in the highlands of southern Algeria and the Republic of Chad.

The homeland of the myrtle ordinary is the Mediterranean. Today it is especially common in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as in Europe. In Russia, a small number of myrtle trees grow in the Crimea.

Myrtle tree leaves are best suited for making spices at the age of 3 or 4 years. Collection is carried out from mid to late autumn. The collected foliage is dried in a dry, well-ventilated area. When the leaves are dry, they should be laid out in canvas bags and stored in a cool, dark place.

• dark green color;
• bitter-spicy taste;
• rich herbal, slightly bitter aroma.

• essential oil
• camphor
• aldehydes
• proteins
• tannins
• resin
• polyphenols
• flavonoids
• saponins
• mirtilin
• pinene
• limonene
• cineole
• linalool
• terpineol
• myrtenol

• is a natural antiseptic;
• tones;
• has a diuretic effect;
• has antifungal properties;
• relieves pain;
• helps to normalize the work of the digestive tract;
• strengthens the immune system;
• is a good expectorant;
• has an astringent effect;
• beneficial effect on the nervous system.

• It is believed that if you put a pot of myrtle tree in the bedroom, you will experience a severe headache in the morning.
• Taking infusions and decoctions based on myrtle at bedtime, especially in large quantities, can lead to sleep disturbances.

• pregnancy;
• lactation period;
• individual intolerance;
• elderly age.

The essential oil is obtained from the young shoots and foliage of the myrtle tree by steam distillation. Myrtle oil has a pleasant, complex aroma, so it is widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics and perfumes. It also has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect and is used to treat diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems. In addition, regular use of myrtle essential oil significantly improves the condition of the skin and hair structure.

• in Italy, a liqueur called "myrto" is made from the fruits of the myrtle tree;
• in France, jam is made from the berries of the world;
• dried fruits of myrtle are used in the production of certain types of sausages;
• myrtle leaves are added to pickles and marinades;
• grilled meat and fish, using the bark and branches of the myrtle tree, acquire a unique aroma;
• Myrtle gives bitterness to dishes, so it should be added to food in very small quantities.

Cut the carcass of any lean fish into pieces of the desired size. Cut 2 carrots into slices, 1 onion into large rings. Put the fish and vegetables in a thick-walled pot or in a cauldron, add a few leaves of the myrtle tree, salt and pepper to taste. Pour half a glass of water and simmer until tender.

Prepare 1 kg of chicken fillet, cut into medium-sized cubes. Chop an onion, 2 carrots, a small zucchini, cauliflower, tomato and bell pepper. Take a deep pan or brazier and lay out the products in layers; onion, poultry, carrot, zucchini, pepper, tomato, cabbage. Lay out one leaf of myrtle tree on each layer. Add some water and simmer until done.

Medicines prepared on the basis of myrtle are used for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• herpetic infection;
• inflammation of the female reproductive system;
• pyelonephritis;
• cystitis;
• prostatitis;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• getting sick of the ENT organs;
• flu;
• asthma;
• bronchitis.

• With a cold You can strengthen the immune system and cope with the disease faster if you chew a few leaves of the myrtle tree every time after eating.
• With purulent inflammation on the skin, Lotions with a decoction of myrtle will help. Pour 10 grams of dried leaves with a liter of cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Moisten a piece of sterile bandage in a decoction and apply to the affected area for several minutes.The procedure should be repeated 2 or times a day.
• With bronchitis, prepare a mixture of medicinal herbs: 10 grams of primrose roots, 15 grams of lemon balm, 20 grams of myrtle, 20 grams of eucalyptus. Pour 1 tbsp. mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 20 minutes. Take one glass 3 times a day.
• With kidney infection an infusion should be prepared from the dried leaves of the myrtle tree. To do this, pour 10 grams of leaves with a liter of hot water and leave for 10-15 minutes. Drink one glass 2 times a day.

In cosmetology, mainly the essential oil of the myrtle tree is used. It is characterized by the following useful properties:

• nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
• evens skin color and gives it a healthy look;
• restores local immunity of the skin;
• relieves inflammation;
• is a good remedy for acne and acne;
• strengthens hair follicles;
• improves hair structure.

A myrtle tree can also be a houseplant. Keeping it at home is not at all difficult, but there are several important points to consider:

• Fresh air is very important for the myrtle tree, so the most suitable place for it is on the windowsill (it is best to choose the west or east side), and in the summer - on the open balcony or in the garden.
• A few hours a day, the plant must be in direct sunlight.
• During the winter months, myrtle needs plenty of sunlight.
• It is necessary to move the pot with a myrtle tree to a new place gradually, moving it 10-20 cm every day.
• The most optimal temperature for myrtle is room temperature. Coolness is preferable to him than heat.In winter, if possible, you should put the plant in a cold place where the temperature does not exceed +8 degrees. Otherwise, the myrtle may shed its leaves.
• At any time of the year, the earth in a pot should be constantly wet. Watering requires warm, soft water.
• In the summer months, the plant should be sprayed every day, and in winter spraying is not required.
• In spring, summer and autumn, the myrtle tree should be fed weekly with the selected fertilizer.
• The desired shape of the myrtle tree can be given by cutting off the branches from different sides. If you want your myrtle to grow into a low bush, cut it off from the top, and if you prefer a miniature tree, then you need to cut off the side branches.

Myrtle can be propagated by cuttings and seeds. Propagation by cuttings is preferable, as in this case the plant will bloom faster. The most favorable time for cuttings is winter and summer (the procedure should not be repeated more than twice a year). Cuttings are taken from the bottom or from the middle of the trunk. The maximum length of the cutting is 8 cm. The leaves are cut or shortened. Then the cuttings are rooted in a shallow container filled with sand and moss, and covered with a special cap. Periodically, young plants are watered and ventilated. The temperature in the room is maintained no higher than +20 degrees. A month later, the cuttings are planted in separate small pots.

At home, you can grow several varieties of ordinary myrtle, including:

• Alhambra
• Flore Pleno
• Variegata
• La Clape
• Microfill
• Tarentina.

• In ancient Greece, myrtle was considered a plant of the goddess of love and beauty - Aphrodite, who sometimes called herself Myrthea.
• According to ancient Greek myth, the myrtle tree grew from the body of the nymph Myrsina, who was killed by Athena out of envy.
• The Bible says that the dove sent by Noah during the flood in search of land returned to the ark, carrying a sprig of myrtle tree in its beak.
• In France, myrtle is a symbol of innocence and a wedding tree. According to tradition, a pot of myrtle tree should accompany the newlyweds throughout the celebration.