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Quick answer: myrtle essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of Myrtus communis, a fragrant evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean. It smells fresh, herbal, slightly camphorous and a little sweet, and it is rich in 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) and alpha-pinene, the same kinds of compounds found in eucalyptus and rosemary. People use it in diffusers and diluted chest rubs for a clear, breezy scent. Dilute to about 1 to 2 percent for adults, avoid using cineole-rich oils near the faces of babies and young children, never swallow essential oils, and take care around cats and dogs.
Myrtle is one of those plants with a long history and a modest presence on the essential oil shelf. Ancient Greeks and Romans associated it with Aphrodite and Venus, and sprigs of myrtle still show up in wedding bouquets in some traditions. The oil itself is less famous than lavender or tea tree, but it deserves a place in a collection for people who like fresh, herbal scents. This profile is part of our essential oils guide. It explains what myrtle oil is, how people use it, how to dilute it safely and who should be cautious.
Sources: National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) safety guidance; Tisserand Institute essential oil safety information; National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) pages on aromatherapy and essential oils; Poison Control guidance on essential oil exposure; U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer information on cosmetics. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical care, and this article is general information.
What Myrtle Essential Oil Is
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a dense evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic leaves, white flowers and dark blue-black berries. It grows around the Mediterranean, including Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia and Morocco, and it has also been planted as a garden shrub in warm regions elsewhere. The essential oil is produced by steam distilling the leaves and twigs, sometimes along with the flowers.
A fresh bottle is pale yellow to colorless and has a clean aroma. Many people describe it as halfway between eucalyptus and rosemary, with a gentle sweetness underneath. Some find it sharper than lavender and softer than tea tree.
Green Myrtle and Red Myrtle
You may see two types of myrtle oil, and they are not the same.
| Type | Origin | Typical scent | Main compounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green myrtle | Often Corsica, Morocco or Tunisia | Fresh, camphorous, like a gentle eucalyptus | 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene |
| Red myrtle | Often Corsica or Tunisia, from specific varieties | Softer, warmer, more rounded | Myrtenyl acetate, alpha-pinene, cineole |
The differences come from the plant’s chemotype, which is the chemical profile that varies with growing conditions and variety. Dealers do not always name the type, and many labels say only “myrtle.” If the type matters to you, ask the seller. If a bottle lists both the botanical name and the chemotype, that is a good sign.
What Is in Myrtle Oil
Like all essential oils, myrtle oil is a mixture, and the proportions vary by batch. The main compounds are:
- 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): gives a cool, clean, camphor-like freshness. It is also the main compound in eucalyptus and a big part of rosemary.
- Alpha-pinene: a piney, fresh compound found in many conifers and herbs.
- Limonene: a light citrusy note.
- Linalool and myrtenyl acetate: floral and fruity notes that soften the scent.
Cineole-rich oils are common in blends meant to smell “clear.” They also come with specific safety guidance, especially for children, as the safety section below explains.
What People Use Myrtle Oil For
Research on myrtle oil is limited, and much of what you read online about its benefits comes from traditional use, small laboratory studies or sellers. The NCCIH notes that research on essential oils and aromatherapy has been mixed and often involves small studies. With that in mind, here are the common uses.
- Scent and atmosphere: the main use. A few drops in a diffuser give a clean, herbal fragrance that works well in a home office or bathroom.
- Seasonal blends: because it smells like eucalyptus and rosemary, people add it to “breathe easy” diffuser blends in cooler months. A pleasant scent can make a stuffy room feel fresher, but it does not treat a cold or any respiratory illness.
- Massage and body oils: a very small amount in a diluted massage oil gives a clean aroma.
- Perfumery and soap: myrtle adds a green, herbal top note to colognes and soaps.
- Cleaning products: the clean, camphor-like smell works in homemade sprays, though it is not a substitute for a disinfectant.
If a seller claims myrtle oil can cure infections, remove scars or treat asthma, be skeptical. In the United States, products marketed to treat or prevent disease can be regulated by the FDA as drugs.
How to Use Myrtle Essential Oil
In a Diffuser
For an ultrasonic diffuser, use three to five drops in roughly 100 milliliters of water, and run it for 30 to 60 minutes in a ventilated room. Do not leave it running all day. Our guide to essential oil diffuser types explains the differences between ultrasonic, nebulizing and heat diffusers.
Three simple blends:
- Clear morning: 3 drops myrtle, 2 drops lemon, 1 drop rosemary.
- Herbal calm: 3 drops myrtle, 2 drops lavender, 1 drop cedarwood.
- Winter fresh: 2 drops myrtle, 2 drops sweet orange, 2 drops pine.
In a Chest or Shoulder Rub
For adults, mix 3 to 6 drops of myrtle oil in a tablespoon (15 milliliters) of carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond, which is about a 1 to 2 percent dilution. Massage onto the chest or shoulders and avoid the face and eyes. Do not use this on children under ten without professional advice.
In a Steam Bowl
Some people add a drop or two to a bowl of hot water and breathe the steam. This can irritate the eyes and airways, and it carries a risk of burns from hot water. Many aromatherapy sources advise against steam inhalation for people with asthma, so a diffuser is generally a gentler choice.
In Cleaning Sprays
Mix 15 to 20 drops with a cup of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use, test on a hidden spot, and keep it off natural stone, which vinegar can etch.
Safe Dilution at a Glance
| Use | Typical dilution | Drops per ounce (30 ml) of carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Face (adult, leave-on) | Avoid or 0.5 percent | 3 |
| Body oil or lotion | 1 to 2 percent | 6 to 12 |
| Chest rub (adult) | 1 to 2 percent | 6 to 12 |
| Diffuser | 3 to 5 drops per 100 ml water | Not applicable |
Our essential oil dilution chart explains the reasoning and gives figures for other uses.
Safety, Side Effects and Who Should Be Careful
Cineole-rich oils call for particular care.
- Babies and children. Many aromatherapy references advise against using eucalyptus-type, cineole-rich oils on or near the face of babies and young children, because strong vapors have been linked to breathing problems in small children. Tisserand Institute guidance on 1,8-cineole is conservative, and the safest approach is not to use myrtle oil around infants.
- Asthma and breathing conditions. Strong scents can trigger symptoms in some people. Ask your healthcare provider before using diffused oils.
- Skin reactions. Do a patch test: apply a diluted drop to the inside of the forearm, cover it and wait 24 hours. Stop if you see redness, itching or swelling.
- Pregnancy and nursing. Many aromatherapy organizations advise talking to a doctor or midwife before using essential oils during pregnancy.
- Pets. Cats and dogs may react to some essential oils. Cineole-rich oils can be a concern, so keep diffusers in rooms where animals can leave. Our guide to essential oils and pets explains the risks.
- Swallowing. Never swallow essential oils. If someone does, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States.
- Medicines. If you take prescription drugs or have a chronic condition, ask your healthcare provider before using essential oils.
How to Choose a Good Myrtle Oil
- Look for the botanical name, Myrtus communis, and the plant part on the label.
- Check the type and origin if the seller gives them (green or red, country of origin).
- Choose dark glass bottles with tamper-evident seals and a dropper insert.
- Be careful with very cheap oil. Pure oils cost more, and unusually low prices can mean dilution or synthetic additives.
- Compare with sample scents. If you can, smell a sample before buying a large bottle.
- Avoid “myrtle” blends that do not list the actual ingredients.
Note that “lemon myrtle” and “anise myrtle” are different plants from Australia with different chemistry and safety profiles. Lemon myrtle in particular is very high in citral and can irritate skin. They are not interchangeable with Myrtus communis.
Myrtle Compared With Similar Oils
| Oil | Scent | Main compounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle | Fresh, herbal, lightly sweet | 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene | Gentler than eucalyptus to many noses |
| Eucalyptus | Sharp, cooling | 1,8-cineole | Very common, strong |
| Rosemary | Herbal, camphorous | Cineole, camphor, pinene | Avoid with epilepsy and in pregnancy |
| Tea tree | Medicinal, fresh | Terpinen-4-ol | Often used in skin products |
| Cajeput | Fresh, sweet camphor | 1,8-cineole | Related to tea tree and myrtle |
If you like myrtle, you may enjoy our profiles of eucalyptus essential oil and rosemary essential oil, which share similar chemistry and safety points.
A Simple Myrtle Linen and Room Spray
A spray is an easy way to use myrtle without running a diffuser. It works best as a light freshener for a bathroom, closet or entryway.
- Choose a bottle. A 100 milliliter dark glass spray bottle protects the oil from light.
- Add a dispersant. Pour in 2 tablespoons of high-proof alcohol or witch hazel. Essential oil does not mix with water on its own, and the alcohol helps it spread.
- Add the oil. Use 15 drops of myrtle oil for a light scent, or blend 8 drops of myrtle with 7 drops of lemon.
- Top up with water. Fill the bottle with distilled water, leaving a little space at the top.
- Shake and label. Shake before each use, write the date and ingredients on the bottle, and use it within a few weeks.
Spray the air or a hard surface rather than fabrics you care about, and test a hidden spot first, since alcohol and oils can stain. Keep the spray away from the face, from pets and from open flames, because the alcohol is flammable.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep the bottle tightly closed, upright and away from heat and light. Oils with lots of terpenes, including pinene, oxidize more quickly than oils with mostly alcohols and esters. Plan to use myrtle oil within a year or two, and write the purchase date on the bottle. Discard it if the scent turns sharp, sour or turpentine-like.
A Note on Myrtle in History and Gardens
Myrtle is more than a source of oil. In ancient Greece the shrub was sacred to Aphrodite, and in Roman tradition it was linked with Venus. The berries and leaves have been used as a spice and flavoring in Sardinia and Corsica, including the Sardinian liqueur mirto. In Britain and in some royal weddings, a sprig of myrtle has traditionally been included in a bridal bouquet as a symbol of love and good luck. These traditions explain why the plant has a gentle, romantic reputation even though the oil itself smells more herbal than floral.
If you want to grow myrtle, it prefers full sun, well-drained soil and mild winters, and it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors in cold climates. Crushing a leaf between your fingers releases the same fresh scent that the oil captures, which is a free and safe way to enjoy the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does myrtle essential oil smell like?
It smells fresh, herbal and slightly camphorous, with a gentle sweetness, somewhere between eucalyptus and rosemary.
Is myrtle essential oil safe for kids?
It is best avoided around babies and young children, because cineole-rich oils can affect breathing in small children. Ask a pediatrician or a qualified aromatherapist for advice.
What is the difference between green and red myrtle?
They are different chemotypes. Green myrtle is typically higher in 1,8-cineole and smells fresher and sharper. Red myrtle has more myrtenyl acetate and smells softer and warmer.
Is myrtle oil the same as lemon myrtle oil?
No. Lemon myrtle is a different Australian plant with a strong lemon scent and different safety concerns. Check the botanical name.
Can I use myrtle oil in a diffuser around pets?
Be cautious. Cats and dogs can be sensitive to some essential oils. Use short sessions in a ventilated room and make sure animals can leave.
How should I dilute myrtle oil for skin?
For healthy adults, about 1 to 2 percent is a common range, which is 6 to 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil. Patch test first and avoid the face.
Can I take myrtle oil internally?
No. Do not swallow essential oils unless a qualified healthcare provider directs it, and call Poison Control if someone swallows any.
