Antibacterial Bog Myrtle - next Acne Cure?
Sweet Gale's Potential as Scotland’s Latest £30m Agricultural Crop
Aug 13, 2008
For many years the Scots have used Bog Myrtle (botanical name Myrica gale), an indigenous plant that enjoys the moist cool conditions of the Scottish Highlands, as a way of repelling the swarms of midges and horseflies that plague those who venture onto the moors. A sprig of Bog Myrtle would be tucked behind the ears or in the hat band to keep the bugs at bay.
Herbalists have also been aware of the antibacterial properties of this native herb, known commonly as Sweet Gale. However its uses have been mostly forgotten in recent times.
Growing Habits
Bog Myrtle - as the name suggests - loves to have its roots in the wet, and so the boggy conditions of the Highlands are ideal. It also grows in Northern Ireland, the Scottish isles and in the Lake District of England.
The plant, if left to its own devices, will grow into a bushy shrub at around 2 meters high. However in practice it tends to be grazed by the sheep who seem to find it tasty.
“Gold in Them Thar Hills”
Scientists, who tend to be a little reticent at embracing herbalists' anecdotal evidence, are coming round to supporting Bog Myrtle as the next “big thing” in the pharmaceutical industry for use in skin creams for the treatment of acne. It is reputed to enhance healing through its antiseptic properties.
Boots the Chemist Trialling Bog Myrtle
Douglas Hardy, Scottish "Farming Hero" featured in Jimmy Doherty's BBC 2 programme has gotten together with Boots the Chemist, a well known pharmaceutical company based in Nottingham, UK, to trial the Bog Myrtle. A full scale test is going on at the present which involves growing large quantities of Bog Myrtle, harvesting it, extracting the essential oil and then mixing it in various skin products. So far things are looking very hopeful.
Extracting Bog Myrtle Oil
After the plant is harvested it needs to be processed immediately; any delay causes loss of volatile oils. The crop is deposited into large vats which are connected up to a steam generator.
Pressurised steam is passed through the column of Bog Myrtle leaves and as it circulates through the leaves the fragrant oils are vaporised. The steam is condensed and on cooling the oil separates out as a layer on top of the residual water.
Bog Myrtle Oil May Create a Lucrative Industry
It is hoped, according to Jane Wood, PR officer for Boots the Chemist, that Bog Myrtle oil preparations will generate a £30 million per annum industry, such is the market for acne preparations. This would offer the hard-pressed farming community in the Highlands a welcome boost at this difficult time.
Herbal Insecticide from Bog Myrtle
In modern times, Bog Myrtle has been ignored as being pretty useless. However one company, Totally Herby, based in Largs, has been working since 2004 to promote this herb as an insecticide – or should that be midgicide! It would certainly an invaluable aid to any holiday maker walking or touring the Scottish Highlands and Islands where the dreaded midge flourishes unforgettably.
References:
Heroes of Farming Episode 5, BBC Television, Bush House, London, UK.
Mrs. J. Wood, PR Officer, Boots Group PLC, 1 Thane Road, Beeston,Nottingham, NG2 3AA
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