Myrtle

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Arrayán, Common Myrtle, Mirto, Murta, Myrte, Myrte Commun, Herbe du Lagui, Myrti Aetheroleum, Myrti Folium, Myrtus communis, Nerte, Roman Myrtle, True Myrtle.

Overview

Myrtle is a plant. The leaves and branches are used to make medicine.

People take myrtle for treating lung infections including bronchitis, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. They also take it for bladder conditions, diarrhea, and worms.

How does it work?

Myrtle might help fight against fungus and bacteria.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of myrtle for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

The oil of myrtle is UNSAFE. It contains a chemical that can cause asthma-like attacks and lung failure. Myrtle can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, blood circulation disorders, and other problems.

There isn't enough information to know if using the leaf and branch of myrtle is safe.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's UNSAFE to take myrtle by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Don't use it.

Children: Myrtle is UNSAFE for children. Even simple facial contact with the oil can cause breathing problems and death in infants and small children.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of myrtle depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for myrtle. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.