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Myrtle Leaf

Myrtle Leaf is the general name of about 1000 plant species of the same genus in the myrtle family. They are trees or shrubs that do not shed their leaves in the winter and can grow up to 2-5 m tall, native to America, Australia and New Zealand. The species we will talk about here, called Wild or Common Myrtle (M. communis), is a plant of the Mediterranean Region and grows abundantly among the maquis in sunny and dry areas on our Western and Southern Anatolian coastline.

 

The leaves and flowering branches of the myrtle contain tannin, resin, some bitter substances and volatile oils; its fruits contain high levels of vitamin A, tannin, sugar and acids. Its sweet and fragrant fruits are sold and eaten in markets. Its tender leaves, like laurel, are used to add flavor to meat dishes.

Use in folk medicine

It is a laxative and stops diarrhea, especially in children. It stimulates appetite.
It has an antiseptic effect on urinary tract infections.
Due to its tissue and vasoconstrictor properties, it has a blood-calming effect.

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