Myrtus communis

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Myrtus communis L.

Myrtaceae

  • Myrtle
  • as آس
  • marsin مرسين
  • reihan ريحان
  • yas ياس
  • hadas matzuy
  • הדס מצוי

Phanerophyte shrub

  • Mediterranean maquis and forest
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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Myrtus communis L.

System/State Traditional
Complaint/Use
Activity / Interpretation
Traditional
Preparation/ Administration
Parts Used
Source
Dermatological

Warts

Anti-Infective

1. Burn tip of a branch & apply to wart.
2. Grind leaves + "mastika" (mastix, gum from Pistacia lentiscus) + olive leaves + little salt; mix +olive oil & apply on & around wart.

Branch /twig, Leaf Z
Endocrine/ Metabolic

Diabetes mellitus

Hypoglycemic

Cook leaves in water + leaves of olive + "feijan" (Ruta bracteosa) & drink.

Leaf Z
Gastrointestinal

Abdominal pain

Carminative

Cook leaves & stems in water & drink.

Leaf, Stem Z
Gastrointestinal

Diarrhea & vomiting; also for children

Anti-Infective, Anti-diarrheal, Anti-emetic

Cook leaves & seeds + "kammun busufa" (Ammodaucus leucotrichus) + inner layers of onion + egg with shell, filter & drink.

Leaf, Seed Z
Gastrointestinal

Jaundice

Hepatic

Mix leaves + "hundal" (unclear what this is). (Preparation/ Admin. not specified.)

Leaf Z
General

Excessive perspiration

Anti-hydrotic

Decoct leaves & use filtrate to wash with.

Leaf B
Kidney & Urinary Tract

Diuretic

Diuretic

Prepare tea from leaves. (Admin. not specified.)

Leaf Z
Men`s Health/ Sexuality

Increase virility

Aphrodisiac

Cook leaves & stems in water + "butum" (Pistacia atlantica) branches & drink.

Leaf, Stem Z
Nervous System

Headache

Analgesic

Grind leaves, mix + vinegar, spread over cloth & apply to head.

Leaf Z
Opthalmic

Cataract

Visual health

Prepare infusion in water of Myrtus. (Plant Part not specified). Add grated "'afs" (gallnut, Galla halepensis, See NOTES 1) to infusion & apply liquid to eye.

Not specified Z
Oral Health

Strengthen teeth & stop bleeding (from gums)

Anti-caries, Anti-gum disease

Cook leaves in water + rose leaves + grapevine branches + lentils & gargle.

Leaf Z
Oral Health

Toothache

Analgesic

Chew fresh leaves.

Leaf B
Respiratory

Cough

Anti-tussive

Cook myrtle seeds + dried almond shells + dried figs + "nabat" sugar + brown sugar + carob + mustard for a long time to obtain a jam; eat x1 teaspoon/day mornings.

Seed Z
Respiratory

Fever & cold

Anti-Infective, Anti-pyretic

Prepare tea from leaves. (Admin. not specified.)

Leaf Z
Women`s Health

Dysmenorrhoea

Analgesic

Decoct leaf & stems & drink x1 cup as needed.

Leaf, Stem B
Women`s Health

Menstrual disturbances

Emmenagogue

Mix leaves + honey + cow's bile (See NOTES 2); prepare as tampon & insert vaginally.

Leaf Z

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.

Notes

1. Z notes that Ammodaucus leucotrichus (used with Myrtus communis for diarrhea & vomiting) is a N. African medicinal plant known in Morocco as "kammūn ṣūfī" ("woolly cumin").
2. Galla halepensis used with Myrtus communis for cataract is an excrescence or gallnut caused by the gall wasp (genus Cynips) on Oak species, especially Quercus infectoria.
3. Use of cow`s bile (or any animal part) in recipe for menstrual problems is not recommended.

Cautions

Myrtus communis in high doses can cause diarrhea, nausea & vomiting. Essential oil contains cineole which in very high doses can lower blood pressure & cause circulation collapse & respiratory failure. Oil should not be applied to children`s face as it can trigger severe respiratory tract spasms.