Anyone strolling through the maquis shrubland of Mallorca will recognize it by its unmistakable, almost balsamic fragrance. The myrtle ( Myrtus communis ) is not a loud plant; it is an elegant presence with glossy, evergreen leaves and delicate, white, star-shaped flowers.
At Fartàritx, we value myrtle as one of the most versatile companions. Like no other plant, it connects the emotional level (love & protection) with physical health (breath & skin).
A powerhouse for breathing
In traditional folk medicine, myrtle is primarily known as a "liberator." Its leaves are rich in cineole and alpha-pinene .
- Take a deep breath: These essential oils have a strong expectorant effect. When your chest is constricted or you have a lingering cold, the scent of myrtle is like a walk in the clear mountain air of the Tramuntana. It opens the bronchi and makes breathing easier.
- Natural shield: Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it is often used to support the immune system during the cold season and to ward off pathogens before they can take hold.
The plant of skin and relaxation
Not only the lungs, but also the skin loves myrtle. Its components (such as myrtenol) have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
- Cleansing: It clarifies the complexion and helps to refine pores.
- Anti-inflammatory: It has a soothing effect on irritated skin or minor inflammations.
- Antioxidant power: It protects cells from oxidative stress (“rust”) and is therefore considered a rejuvenating agent in natural cosmetics.
- A symbol of love through the millennia
Few plants are as culturally charged as the myrtle.
- In antiquity: For the Romans and Greeks, it was dedicated to the goddess of love (Venus/Aphrodite). It stood for beauty and sensuality.
- Tradition: To this day, myrtle (the "bridal wreath") is a symbol of happiness and fertility at weddings. It is said to seal eternal love.
- Spirituality: In Christianity, the meaning shifted towards purity; it was associated with the Virgin Mary. It was believed to be a protective plant that kept evil away and brought blessings to the house.
The myrtle on Fartàritx
Our myrtle grows wild and untreated. Mallorca's intense sunshine ensures a particularly high concentration of active ingredients in the leaves. When we distill or extract them, we capture precisely this duality: the gentleness of the white blossom and the powerful, clarifying effect of the leaf.
