Myrtle, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230
Folio
Myrtle is native to the Mediteranean, Asia and India, but it is also cultivated. In Greek mythology and ritual, myrtle is sacred to the goddesses Aphrodite and Demeter, and similarly, in Rome, myrtle was considered dear to the goddess Venus. Myrtle was said to symbolise love, and wreathes made of myrtle leaves were worn by Greeks at weddings and banquets. Even today, myrtle is commonly used in bouquets at weddings and on special occasions, such a Valentine’s Day, to symbolize love, beauty and loyalty. Throughout Europe and across the Middle East, the folklore associated with myrtle suggests a common symbolism of romance, devotion, beauty and love. myrtle wreaths were also awarded to athletes, and for military victories, and they were also worn as crowns as a sign of royal status.
In traditional medicine, myrtle has been used to treat several conditions and ailments. A compress of warmed myrtle sprigs was used to ease bruises, strains and sprains. Internally, a myrtle infusion was reputed to relieve colds, chest infections, sinusitis and urinary-tract infections, however, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In cooking, myrtle leaves are used in a similar fashion to bay leaves, adding a spicy citrus flavour to dishes while cooking, but discarded before serving the food.
There are several references to myrtle in the Old Testament of The Bible, of which the following is one example:
“Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the Lord, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.”
(Isaiah 55:13)
Transcription
Translation
bor sit. Unde virgilius. Littora mirtetis letissima.
et amantes littora mirtos. Humilis arbor et utilis
potui mellito. Mirtus est. frigida et sicca. Oleum eius;
Myrtle is called from the sea. that the coast is more of a tree. Hence Virgilius. The blueberry shores are very happy. and lovers of the myrtle shores. A low tree and a useful honey. Myrtle is cold and dry. His oil;
nimiam apertionem nimis sudat. ex quo minime fiunt
egritudines oleo mirtimo ungatur; pori restringun-
tur. et sudores defitiunt. Mirtus multis mulierum
necessitatibus subvenit. Et est arbor odorifera. quid-
dam dulcedinis et quiddam amaritudinis habens
frigida et sicca. Tussi subvenit. stomacum et intesti-
na confortat. Aqua in qua decocta est. sive oleum
mirtinum; erasure cesariem erasure confirmat et aug-
mentat.
the prophet of opilatunim. Hence, if a body that sweats too much because of the excessive opening of the pores, from which illnesses do not occur at all, should be anointed with bilberry oil; the pores are narrowed, and sweat is lacking. Myrtle helps many women's needs. And it is a fragrant tree, having something of sweetness and something of bitterness, cold and dry. It relieves coughs, strengthens the stomach and intestines. The water in which it was boiled, or myrtle oil; Caesarean erosion strengthens and increases erosion.