Evidence supporting the use of: Myrtle
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. It has been employed for a variety of ailments, including respiratory and ear conditions. For ear infections or earache, traditional herbal medicine texts and ethnobotanical surveys indicate that myrtle leaves or essential oil have been used topically or as part of ear drops, often combined with other ingredients. The rationale for its use is primarily due to its purported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, which were believed to help reduce infection and ease pain.

However, scientific validation for myrtle’s efficacy specifically in the treatment of ear infections or earache is limited. While laboratory studies have demonstrated that myrtle essential oil possesses antimicrobial activity against some bacterial and fungal pathogens, there are no robust clinical trials directly assessing the safety or effectiveness of myrtle preparations for ear infections in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or derived from traditional practice, not from rigorous scientific studies. Therefore, while its use is justified by historical precedent, it is not strongly supported by modern evidence, and safety—particularly the use of essential oils in the ear—remains a concern without proper medical supervision.

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Products containing Myrtle

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