Bog Myrtle Essential Oil
Bog Myrtle Essential Oil Profile, Myrica gale.Typically grows in acidic peat bogs, and to cope with these difficult nitrogen-poor growing conditions, the roots have nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria which enable the plants to grow. In northwestern Europe (Germany, Belgium and Great Britain), it was a much used in a mixture called gruit as a flavouring for beer from the Middle Ages to the 16th century, but it fell into disuse after hops had become widely available. Danish brewery Thisted Bryghus produces Porse Guld, a strong beer flavoured with the plant. Boots chemist are planning to increase production of the plant in Scotland for use as an essential oil for treating sensitive skin and acne. It is also used by Totally Herby of Scotland as an insect repellent. Bog Myrtle essential oil is produced from this deciduous, bushy shrub, growing to 4 feet high, native to northern Europe. The wood and leaves are fragrant when bruised. The branches have been used as a substitute for hops in Yorkshire and put into a beer called there 'Gale Beer.' It is extremely good to allay thirst. Bog Myrtle Essential Oil is said to be particularly useful for deterring midges, and has often been useful when diluted to spray horses.
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| Botanical Name: | Myrica gale L. |
| Family: | Myricaceae |
| Synonyms: | Sweet Gale |
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| Parts Used: | Blossoms, leaves and twigs |
| Extraction Method: | Steam distillation. |
| Appearance: | Pale yellow to pale green liquid |
| Aroma Description: | Clear, fresh, camphoraceous, sweet herbaceous scent. |
| Perfume note: | Top |
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| Blends well with: | Lemon, Juniper, Lime. |
| Historical Uses: | In northwestern Europe (Germany, Belgium and Great Britain), it was a much used in a mixture called Gruit as a flavouring for beer from the Middle Ages to the 16th century, but it fell into disuse after hops had become widely available. Danish brewery Thisted Bryghus produces Porse Guld, a strong beer flavoured with the plant. More recently the branches have been used as a substitute for hops in Yorkshire and put into a beer called there 'Gale Beer.' |
| Modern Uses: | The bark is used to tan calfskins; if gathered in autumn, it will dye wool a good yellow colour and is used for this purpose both in Sweden and Wales. The Swedes use it frequently in strong decoction to kill insects, vermin and to cure the itch. It is undergoing a small revival in the UK now. The dried berries are put into broth and used as spice. In China, the leaves are infused like tea, and used as a stomachic and cordial. |
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