|
The Miracle Of Myrtle |
By:
Mabel Dugmore |
|
|
The Miracle of Myrtle
by Mabel Dugmore
Myrtle is the nickname for a family of shrubs and trees collectively known as Myrtaceae. They are almost entirely located in tropical regions, particularly in America and Australia. Myrtle can be found in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Iran as well.
Myrtle Trees
Myrtle is distinguished by evergreen leaves that contain aromatic volatile oils. Many varieties of myrtle produce flashy blossoms, gums, and resins. The tree produces black berries which, along with the leaves, are used particularly for aromatherapy.
Health Advantages of Myrtle
In as far back as ancient Greece, people cherished the application of myrtle. Greek athletes were said to have worn wreaths of evergreen myrtle leaves during the Olympics. Ancient civilizations believed that myrtle was a symbol of immortality, and they used it in love potions and as treatment for various ailments.
In the era of the Roman Empire, myrtle was used to treat urinary and respiratory ailments. Egyptians used the plant to treat nervous afflictions. French women drank tea made from crushed myrtle leaves, believing that it would help to preserve their youthful appearance and overall vigor. Some actually believed myrtle to hold a cure for cancer, but little evidence was found to prove the theory.
More recently, myrtle has been used to treat coughs and respiratory ailments including bronchitis. Myrtle has strong astringent properties that make it quite useful in preventing infections, promoting good digestion and treating urinary tract disorders. There are recent laboratory studies that indicate anti-inflammatory substances in myrtle, making it a useful astringent compound. This is likely why the plant is still used to treat wounds and coughs.
In addition to healing wounds, myrtle is said to be anti-infective and is a good tonic for speeding up the healing process. In the Middle East, it has long been perceived by traditional healers as a useful herb for diabetes.
The 1980s saw scientists putting the myrtle herb under the microscope in an attempt to identify the active ingredients that lends it its various medicinal properties. Results of one study indicated that extract from the herb can decrease blood sugar in mice. This explains the association associating myrtle with diabetes. However, there is still no concrete proof that the herb is safe to use and effective for people who have the disease.
Myrtle Extract
Myrtle extract is taken from the plant's leaves and seeds. Studies have shown positive results when the plant extract is taken orally and in liquid form. The standard dose of liquid myrtle extra is one to two milliliters taken daily. Always ask your doctor before taking myrtle.
Topical formulations of myrtle are less commonly used. Again, these should only be applied under the supervision of your doctor.
There are two types of myrtle, and it's important that you do not confuse the two. Myrtus communis is known as "true" myrtle, and is the plant described here. The other variety, called "Madagascar Myrtle" (Eugenia jambolana), is a completely different plant and has entirely different effects on the body.
It is believed that myrtle can be beneficial when taken with other herbs and nutritional supplements, but it should not be taken if you are using insulin or oral sulfonylureas. This powerful herb may increase the blood glucose and lower the effects of these medications.
Contributor Mabel Dugmore loves writing for numerous popular web zines, on health articles and doula training advice issues. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
|
|
Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article55000.html |
|
|
|
|
|
