Bog Myrtle
Parts Usually Used
Leaves, berries, root bark
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Bog myrtle is an aromatic deciduous shrub 2-6 feet tall; the leaves are dull green, almost gray, and grow somewhat sparsely from a brownish stem. The flowers are in clusters at the ends of previous year’s branchlets, catkin-like and pink, blooms April to June. Flowers are followed by bright orange berries.
Where Found
Grows in damp soil, on moors, marshes, swamps, shallow water, and fens. Newfoundland to the mountains of North Carolina; Tennessee to Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota.
Medicinal Properties
Bitter tonic, antidepressant, nervine
Legends, Myths and Stories
Norwegians smoke the leaves of this bush with tobacco, which they believe it greatly improves. The myrtle is called the Greek Mursine because of a young maiden of Athens names Myrsine, who was so beautiful all the lusty lads or brave young men of Athens tenderly loved her, as well as the goddess Pallas or Minerva, who willed her to be always present at tourney, and the tilts, running, vaulting, and other such activities and exercises.
After the games, Myrsine was to be the judge and award the garland or crown of honor to the winner. They were so pleased with her judgment that they killed her. As soon as the goddess Minerva found out about it, she caused the sweet myrtle to spring up, and called it Myrsine to honor and in memory of the sweet maiden.
Uses
Historically, herbalists utilized the raw leaves or an infusion of bog myrtle as a general tonic and restorative during periods of illness or physical strain. Traditional accounts claimed the plant could revive the spirits, sharpen the mind, and strengthen the nervous system. Older herbal traditions also recommended bog myrtle for addressing memory loss and mental confusion associated with aging, while an infusion of the branches was formerly employed as a diuretic.
Warning
Essential oil reportedly toxic, inhibits growth of various bacteria. Do not use without medical supervision.
Bibliography
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000 The Herbalist Almanac , by Clarence Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1988, fifth printing, 1994 The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England.
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