If you love Eucalyptus for breathing but find it a bit too strong, meet your new best friend: Myrtle.
But wait—did you know there are two distinct types? At Club Arome, we stock both Red and Green Myrtle, and knowing the difference can level up your wellness routine.
Here is the breakdown for each:
🌿 Myrtle Red Essential Oil (Myrtus communis)
Red Myrtle essential oil, often distilled from the leaves of the Moroccan chemotype, is characterized by its sweet, warm, and distinctly camphoraceous aroma, reminiscent of a spicier, more potent eucalyptus. Highly regarded for its powerful respiratory and circulatory support, it is traditionally used to address congestion, persistent coughs, heavy legs, and is sometimes specifically associated with supporting an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid). A fun historical note is its traditional use in the Mediterranean as a symbol of fidelity, love, and peace. However, due to its chemical makeup (often higher in 1,8-cineole), it requires caution: it is generally not recommended for infants, and should be used carefully with children under 10 and those with asthma.
- Scent Description: Sweet, warm, herbaceous, and distinctly camphoraceous/spicy, often likened to a milder, sweeter Eucalyptus
- General Usage: Primarily used to support the respiratory system (congestion, coughs, asthma) and the circulatory system (heavy legs, varicose veins). Also known for calming effects that can aid with restlessness or insomnia
- Fun Fact: In the Mediterranean, Red Myrtle was traditionally used as a symbol of everlasting love and was frequently woven into bridal wreaths
- Precaution Note: Not recommended for use with babies/children under 5 years old; use with caution for children aged 5-10 and individuals with asthma due to the higher 1,8-cineole content
🍃 Myrtle Green Essential Oil (Myrtus communis)
Green Myrtle essential oil, frequently sourced from the Corsican chemotype, offers a fresh, clear, and softer sweet-herbaceous aroma, making it a gentler, more child-friendly alternative to many strong respiratory oils. This oil is a powerhouse for gentle respiratory relief, especially at night, and is revered as a wonderful skin tonic due to its astringent and purifying properties, making it excellent for oily or acne-prone skin. It was famously a key ingredient in “Angel’s Water,” a popular skin tonic in the 16th century. Like its red counterpart, precautions must be observed regarding age, though its gentler profile (lower 1,8-cineole, higher esters) often makes it the preferred choice for family use.
- Scent Description: Clear, fresh, sweet-herbaceous, and mildly camphor-like; a softer, gentler aroma than Red Myrtle
- General Usage: Excellent for gentle respiratory support (colds, coughs), particularly at night. Also widely used as an astringent skin tonic for oily skin, acne, and enlarged pores
- Fun Fact: Myrtle was a celebrated plant in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was sacred to the goddess of love, Aphrodite/Venus, symbolizing love, beauty, and youth
- Precaution Note: Avoid use with babies/children under 5 years old; use with caution for children aged 5-10 and individuals with asthma. Always dilute appropriately before topical use
Back