Swamp myrtle is an evergreen medicinal plant with a pleasant smell. Not all people know that in its therapeutic properties it can even compete with antibiotics. The Latin name for the swamp myrtle is Hamedafne (Chamaedáphne).
Features
This is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 m in height, with straight spreading grayish branches. It grows in sphagnum bogs and deciduous forests with high air humidity. Young shoots and leaves contain poison, which is extremely dangerous for goats and sheep.
This plant has many names, including "common swamp myrtle." It is due to the fact that it grows only in marshy areas, and its leaves are reminiscent of the foliage of a Mediterranean plant - myrtle, which in central Russia is most often found in the form of a houseplant.
Hamedafna bog is found mainly in the northern hemisphere (both North America and Eurasia). In Russia, the plant is distributed from the Arctic to the southern borders of the taiga. It is one of a kind. In the southern borders of the growing area, the bog myrtle is higher, and in the north - lower. The shoot at the Hamedaphna is lignified and straight. The age of individual specimens of bog myrtle sometimes reaches 50 years or more. According to some information, the age, the root system of a plant can be hundreds of years old, and the aerial parts - young shoots - for decades.
The shoots of the bog myrtle are brownish and gray, if you look through the magnifier, you can see whitish scales. Its leaves are small, 1 to 5 cm long, they are arranged alternately on the stem, one after the other. The shape is elliptical elongated with slightly pointed edges. The leaves can be pressed tightly against the stem or sit freely. Their feature is that they are very stiff and covered with small dry scales. The upper part of the leaves of the bog myrtle has a dark green color, and the lower part has a lighter brownish hue. The scales are clearly visible even visually. Central vein of leaves slightly depressed. The edges of the leaves are slightly bent inward. Another feature of this marsh plant is that the structure of the leaves resembles that of succulent plants, which grow in dry conditions and are forced to save moisture. Rigid leaves are a good adaptation to reduce the evaporation of water.
The reason for this adaptation is that in the high bogs the plants live in conditions of lack of moisture, despite the high humidity in these places. This is mainly due to the fact that the water is far below the layer of moss, and there is almost none at the top, but there is no oxygen at the bottom either. As a result, the root system of the bog myrtle (photo text) is located close to the surface of the earth. That is, where water is practically absent.
The flowers of the plant are white. They are collected in small racemose inflorescences. In one inflorescence up to 25 flowers that have a bell-shaped shape. The flower consists of five petals, 10 stamens and a pistil.
What is useful swamp myrtle
This plant has numerous medicinal properties. The leaves, when rubbed, exude a strong aroma that resembles the smell of needles. It smells like the essential oil of myrtle contained in the plant. In addition to it, it contains flavonoids, polyphenols, camphor, saponins and other useful substances.
In folk medicine
This evergreen shrub has been used in folk medicine for many decades. A variety of tinctures, decoctions, lotions are made from it. For example, for the treatment and prevention of various colds, it is very useful to chew fresh leaves of myrtle. The antimicrobial components in its composition help to destroy pathogenic microbes in the body.
In the apartment
The marsh myrtle in the apartment perfectly cleans the air, which occurs through the release of phytoncides by its leaves - substances that have bactericidal properties. Surprising fact, but one small tree can destroy up to 30% of streptococci and 50% of staphylococci. The chemical composition of the plant includes more than ten useful chemicals that favorably affect the human body.
Medicinal properties of myrtle bog
The plant is characterized by the following beneficial properties:
- strengthens the immune system;
- helps with the treatment of colds;
- used for a variety of respiratory diseases;
- has a wound healing effect;
- is a natural antiseptic;
- has an analgesic effect;
- actively fights with various benign tumors;
- It is a highly effective anti-allergic agent.
In addition, myrtle oil is successfully used in clinical cosmetology. Cosmetics using bog myrtle oil moisturize and nourish skin cells, eliminate acne and its effects. In addition, this essential oil perfectly strengthens the hair, normalizes their structure.
Lotions for skin pathologies
With skin diseases, lotions from myrtle broth are successfully used. With the development of tonsillitis, rinsing with such a decoction will bring significant relief and will give an immediate positive effect. Most well they will help children.
Tincture of the marsh myrtle perfectly helps with the treatment of herpes infections. For this, a cotton swab dipped in the infusion of this medicinal plant is applied to the affected areas of the body.
With eye pathologies
With eye pathologies, lotions are made from the infusion of the drug myrtle directly on the eyes. In addition, it is useful to take medicinal tinctures inside. Alcohol infusions with marsh myrtle help with purulent otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.
A few drops of the essential oil of this healing plant, dissolved in hot water, is a good tool for inhalation in colds with pathological processes. Rubbing it into the gums effectively helps with the occurrence of periodontal disease. Myrtle oil is a good rubbing agent for a variety of colds and infectious diseases.
Plant damage
Despite the many beneficial properties of this medicinal plant, if it is used improperly, some negative consequences may occur.
Do not grow this tree in the bedroom, because essential oils can cause headaches or sleep disturbances. It is also not recommended to use plant-based products in the afternoon, as they can cause excessive nervous excitement.
The use of funds based on marsh myrtle is contraindicated in the following cases:
- during pregnancy;
- women during lactation;
- with individual intolerance;
- in old age.
We have provided a detailed description of the swamp myrtle.