Talk:Myrtus

message: Removed this section of text:
:and is also attributed to Freya after she found her husband Ódr under a myrtle-tree after his many months of absence (see Norse mythology). Traditions of brides wearing crowns of myrtle on their wedding day was common to ..... and the ancient Germanic peoples.
Myrtle is a strict Mediterranean plant, and would not have been a familiar plant, nor at all readily available, to Norse or other ancient Germanic people. Probably mis-translation of some other plant that had these uses in northern Europe. MPF 00:01, 17 August 2005 (UTC)
replies: text: Bog Myrtle, candleberry (Myrica gale -- Family Myricaceae) is quite a different plant from the Sweet Gale family. The leaves and small winged fruits of this small plant yield an aromatic wax that smells like bay leaves. The leaves are used to make a tea in both China and Wales. In Europe, they are used to make gale beer, using the leaves in place of hops. The fruits have been used in France, Sweden, and northern England to flavour soups, but also in making candles. They were soaked in hot water to release the wax, which was then made into scented candles, and thus, its nickname.  Badagnani 01:04, 17 August 2005 (UTC)
replies: text: Interesting thought thanks; it could well apply to wearing crowns, but I think Ódr would have had great difficulty hiding under a metre-high shrub :-) - MPF 09:40, 17 August 2005 (UTC)
thread_title: Removed

message: Why does the opening paragraph say it's one or two species, when two species are clearly described?  Is there some controversy that they might in fact be a single species?  Badagnani 21:09, 12 December 2005 (UTC)
thread_title: Species

message: What about myrtle being used as a spice and is it toxic? What about the berries?
:Probably not toxic in moderate amounts (or, at least, no more toxic than other very bitter herbs like rue or wormwood), seeing that the berries have been used as a spice and flavoring for alcoholic beverages for a long time.  See this website for more:  http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Myrt_com.html  Badagnani 04:55, 16 January 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: In the article for "mortadella", it says the Romans used myrtle berries in place of pepper in the recipe.  I wonder, are there any sources regarding the toxicity or safety of usage in food?  72.78.179.244 (talk) 22:43, 6 March 2008 (UTC)
thread_title:  spice 

message: What do you all think? Could such an addition be appropriate? -- Jokes Free4Me 11:21, 13 August 2006 (UTC)
thread_title:  Disambiguation with [[Moaning Myrtle]]? 

message: '...with...' or '...of...'?100110100 07:53, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
thread_title:  'The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species...' 

message: 'The beautifully mottled wood is used in turning.'.  What is turning?100110100 08:29, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
replies: text: Woodturning. I'll link it. - MPF 12:56, 24 September 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Symbolism and uses

message: Couldn't resist adding the following:
Although this plant is mentioned regularly in European mythology, there are few traditional medicinal uses recorded. However, anyone who has ever used it to improve a respiratory condition will sing its praises and never overlook it again.  The fresh, clear aroma of this oil is excellent at clearing the airways, and as it is considered safe for young and old alike has many uses for the working aromatherapist.
I'm generally cautious about repeating the claims of complementary therapy 'novels', but have enough personal experience of this oil (as a Biochemist)to consider that this was justified...
Cjsunbird (talk) 21:36, 6 April 2010 (UTC)
replies: text: I think your statement is not well founded as Myrtle and its various extracts are very well known and widely used in europe and apparently also in China among other places. See for example the German wikipedia :de:Myrtol and just try a Google or PubMed article search on "Myrtol" or "Myrtle" and you fill find loads of articles. In fact I am adding at least one here. Jahibadkaret (talk) 14:01, 18 November 2010 (UTC)
thread_title:  Medicinal Uses 

message: Thought "indispensible" was a typo - it's not listed at dictionary.com.  Anyone have a source for this spelling variation?  If so, I'll change the AWB typo rule so no more get changed.  GoingBatty (talk) 05:38, 7 March 2011 (UTC)
thread_title:  Indispensible?