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FAMILY
Myrtaceae
SPECIES
Myrica Californica
DESCRIPTION
Wax Myrtle is a spring-flowering evergreen with male and female catkins on separate bushes, and wax-covered, pale green berries.
USES
Wax Myrtle berries season meat and yield balsamic-scented wax, used in candles, shaving soap, and cosmetics. It has tonic root bark which is astringent and anti-bacterial, stimulates blood circulation and lymph drainage, and treats intestinal and stomach infections.
REMARK
The fragrant leaves of Sweet Gale repel insects and moths. |
| Wax myrtle is a popular herbal remedy in North America where it is employed to increase the circulation, stimulate perspiration and keep bacterial infections in check. The plant should not be used during pregnancy. The root bark is antibacterial, astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic. It is harvested in the autumn, thoroughly dried then powdered and kept in a dark place in an airtight container. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, jaundice, fevers, colds, influenza, catarrh, excessive menstruation, vaginal discharge etc. |
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Externally, it is applied to indolent ulcers, sore throats, spongy gums, sores, itching skin conditions, dandruff etc. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic. It is regarded as a sure cure for dysentery and is also used to treat internal ulcerations. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin.
DESCRIPTION
This dense, evergreen shrub has aromatic leaves and flower-buds, creamy white flowers, and blue black berries.
USES
The flowers are made into toilet water called eau d'ange, added with the leaves to blemish ointment, and dried for pot-po uri. dried leaves are used for herb pillows. The flower-buds and berries give an orange-blossom scent to sweet dishes, and the leaves add flavor and aroma to roasting meat. The leaves are antiseptic and astringent, and are used in decoction, on bruises and hemorrhoids. Leaf essential oil is the source of myrtol, given for gingivitis.
REMARK
Sweet Myrtle is used in bridal wreaths as a symbol of beauty and chastity. |
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Myrtle flowers |
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