Myrtle (Myrtus communis) from the Myrtaceae family is also known as wax myrtle. Components of wax myrtle include limonene, linalool, and alpha pinene. Cineole is an adulterant. The steam distillation of fresh wax myrtle leaves produces wax myrtle oil. Myrtle essential oil blends well with hyssop, clove oil, lavender oil, oil from bay leaves, clary sage, lavandin, cinnamon oil, sandalwood essential oil, lime oil, rosemary oil, and bergamot oil.  

Common Name:	Myrtle
Botanical Name:	Myrtus communis L.
Family:	Myrtaceae.
Synonyms:	Corsican pepper, wax myrtle.
Origin:	Indigenous to the Mediterranean region and western Asia. It is widely cultivated in other areas, especially in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Tunisia is the major supplier of the oil, with Corsica, France, Italy, and Spain, producing small amounts.
Botanical Description:	An evergreen shrub or small tree, usually 3 to 7-meter (9 to 25 ft) tall. It has stiff branches and reddish twigs with dark glossy green leaves. The attractive flowers are white or pinkish and very aromatic. Fruits are round, reddish-blue to violet berries. The whole plant is very fragrant.
Oil Extraction:	Myrtle essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh leaves. The oil is a fluid yellow to greenish-yellow liquid.
Yield:	0.25 to 0.55%.
Aroma Profile:	Oil from wax myrtle as a strong camphoraceous-spicy, sweet-herbaceous top note. The middle note is fresh, sweet-herbaceous, and camphoraceous. The dry out is not at all lasting.
Major Constituents:	α-pinene, 1,8-cineole, myrtenyl acetate, limonene, α-terpinyl acetate, and linalool.
Adulterants:	Cineole.
Regulatory Status:	Food additive. FDA 121.1163. 172.510.
Aromatherapy:	Oil from wax myrtle is relaxing and harmonizing.
Blends well with:	Oil from bay leaves, bergamot oil, cinnamon oil, clary sage, clove oil, hyssop, lavandin, lavender oil, lime oil, rosemary oil, and sandalwood essential oil.
Safety Data:	Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing.

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