Presentation
Morocco
Camphoric, aromatic
Leaves
Benefits
Barrier function
Deep hydration (preventive and restorative effect)
Nutrition
Protective
Surface hydration (restorative effect)
Botany
Originally from Africa, the Myrtle is now cultivated throughout the Mediterranean Basin.
This shrub has very fragrant white flowers and black berries, as well as small, smooth, glossy evergreen leaves riddled with essence-filled vesicles. When crumpled, the leaves give off an incense-like scent.
The dried berries, with their burning flavour, used to be crushed and used as a substitute for pepper, a commodity reserved for the wealthy.
History
Representing glory and power, the Romans used to place a myrtle crown on the head of their victors. The dried berries were used as spices for centuries despite their great astringency. Today they are used to make jams and to flavour spirits.
Forgotten and abandoned at the start of the middle Ages, the Myrtle returned to Europe via the Mediterranean basin where it was used in traditional medicine.
In the 16th century, the famous "Eau d'ange", a tonic and astringent lotion produced by distilling the plant, was used for beauty treatments.
Properties
Myrtle Essential Oil is known for its decongestant virtues of the lymphatic system thanks to its high alpha pinene and limonene content and is also known for soothing respiratory inflammations.
At Kiotis we use myrtle for its moisturizing properties.
The Kiotis laboratory has demonstrated, through in vitro scientific tests, the patented moisturizing properties of Myrtle Essential Oil on the surface of the skin, as well as in in depth, delivering a preventive and restorative effect on the fibroblasts - true water reservoirs of the skin tissue. Myrtle Essential Oil also reinforces the skin's barrier function. It is left nourished and protected for a smoother and more homogeneous surface appearance.
DID YOU KNOW?
Adam fell from paradise with three things: Myrtle, the world’s first sweet-smelling flower; a wheat ear, the world’s first food; dates, the world’s first fruit.
A symbol of love, this shrub was dedicated to Venus because it has the virtue of bringing love to life and keeping it alive. Greek mythology also has it that this plant was dedicated to the nymph Myrsine.