Myrtle (Myrtus communis) notes
A stunning Mediterranean shrub full of medicinal constituents offering sustainable harvest
Myrtle is a stunning Mediterranean shrub that is easily managed and full of medicinal constituents. Here I outline details of the plant and its many benefits, explain aspects of harvesting and use, along with a recipe for a digestive Myrtle and Mint Tea. This is a great plant for a small garden, as it can be cut back or pruned to size. Consider pot growing if space is limited or if you have a rather exposed location (then bring indoors in wet and cold winters).
On the myrtle plant
Common myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an evergreen shrub or small tree potentially reaching up to 4.5 m and almost as wide in a warm site. The white starry flowers are profuse and scented. The small edible fruits are fleshy oval black berries. The myrtle plant family, Myrtaceae, includes many aromatic woody species from tropical allspice to eucalyptus trees.
On the use of myrtle
Both myrtle leaf and berry have long been used in traditional medicine for infections, digestive and respiratory complaints, and skin problems. This aromatic plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, saponosides, tannins, quinines and anthraquinones. These constituents provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant actions (Yildirim et al., 2015). They make this herb especially useful in digestive and nervous complaints as well as skin problems.
On cultivation
The myrtle will thrive in a range of soils (pH 6–8) and particularly enjoys a sunny location, though a little shade is not a problem. A well-established plant can survive down to –10°C but suffers if in wet ground and so good drainage is important. Planting near a wall in a sunny spot provides ideal conditions, and this plant seems to like to grow alongside a building. In frosty conditions there are likely to be rusty brown twigs in spring as new growth dies in the cold but these can be cut back to green leaves and will resprout. Berries are not produced in colder locations. However, in warmer locations where seed is readily produced it is important to be aware that myrtle can become invasive, such as in parts of Africa and Australia.
On harvesting
Leaves can be harvested all year round, while the berries are harvested in later autumn. Both can be dried for later use. For the leaves I like to prune a bush in spring and tie the stems in bunches, then hang up the bunches indoors until crisp and dry. Keep the leaves in a paper bag or glass jar with a label as they can be difficult to recognise when dry. Almost every part of the plant has a use. I have found that even the thin twigs left after stripping leaves off may be dried and used as antiseptic toothpicks!
The tea made with myrtle may vary somewhat depending on the time of harvest. Essential oil constituents are significant and can vary at different stages of growth (Hazrati et al., 2022). Levels of a-pinene in the leaves are highest at flowering time while 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol) is higher while the fruits are ripening.
On culinary use
The berries are small and black and can be used to flavour a liqueur or, somewhat like peppercorns or juniper berries, to flavour foods. The leaves are used like sweet bay leaves in cooking soups and stews.
On herbal preparations
Both the leaves and the berries can be taken in hot water infusions (see the sample recipe below). Yildrim et al. (2015) considered the infusion of both berries and leaves for the level of phenolic content, as when this is high it suggests antioxidant activity. They noted that in various studies it has been found that longer infusions (at least 5 min and up to 15 min) lead to higher phenolic levels. In addition, pulverising the fruits or using the leaves gives higher levels of phenols. An infused oil can also be made from the leaves or berries and provides both antibacterial and antifungal help in skin complaints.
On research
Though there is limited clinical research, one study involving myrtle berry extract for digestive reflux found significant reductions in acidity and dyspepsia (Zohalinezhad et al., 2016). This plant is also regarded as hepatoprotective and can help protect the liver during exposure to chemical toxins. Dabbaghi et al. (2023) reviewed the use of myrtle against many kinds of toxicity. Other studies have focused on potential uses in body and hair care ranging from dandruff to vaginosis.
Recipe for Myrtle and Mint Tea
1 small sprig mint leaves
1 small sprig myrtle leaves
Strip the leaves from the sprigs and place them in a cup. Pour on boiling hot water, cover with a saucer and allow to stand for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink to help settle the stomach. You can add a little sugar to taste if preferred.
On other uses for myrtle
In permaculture design and choosing of suitable plants there is always interest in plants which can offer multiple functions. Myrtle ticks all the boxes for me! I delight in the pretty white flowers and glossy green leaves which will readily grace a table or a posy. Another benefit of myrtle can also be appreciated in growing as a hedge format since the bushy twigs come back well after pruning, and the shrub can be shaped to fit almost any space. Various ornamental versions can be found which will likely offer all the same culinary and medicinal benefits in a varied shape. For example, there is a dwarf variety 'Tarentina' which is reported to be hardier and wind-resistant, perhaps suited better to pot cultivation or colder climates.
Conclusion
This is a plant to seriously consider in light of our warming climate. While it will not do well in cold wet conditions (so pick a well-drained site), an established bush can be regularly pruned to provide sustainable supplies of aromatic leaf. And if berries are produced they can offer an extra bonus. The seed can be used to grow more plants for a hedge or to give away to friends!
References
Al-Snafi AE, Teibo JO, Shaheen HM, et al. 2024. The therapeutic value of Myrtus communis L.: an updated review. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch Pharmacol 397: 4579–4600. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-02958-3.
Hazrati S, Hosseini SJ, Ebadi M-T, et al. 2022. Evolution of phytochemical variation in myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) organs during different phenological stages. Horticulturae 8: 757. doi: 10.3390/horticulturae8090757.
Dabbaghi MM, Fadaei MS, Soleimani Roudi H, et al. 2023. A review of the biological effects of Myrtus communis. Physiol Rep 11: e15770. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15770.
Yildirim HK, Akcay Y, Ucar SK, et al. 2015. Myrtus communis l. Leaves and teas as potential antioxidants and protectors against in vitro LDL–oxidation. Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science 21: 163-173.
Zohalinezhad ME, Hosseini-Asl MK, Akrami R, et al. 2016. Myrtus communis L. freeze-dried aqueous extract versus omeprazol in gastrointestinal reflux disease: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 21: 23-29. doi: 10.1177/215658721558940.