All about Herbs: Myrtle (Myrtus) & Luma (Luma)

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What is Myrtle? ( Myrtus & Luma Luma).

Myrtle ( Myrtus )

The evergreen Myrtle, Myrtus can tolerate temperatures as low as -10C when grown in an area away from the wind to the north and on a soil that drains well. It can reach a height of 2-3m and a spread of 1-2m. Myrtle, a member of the Myrtaceae family, is native to the Mediterranean and was cultivated in England as early as the 16 ^th century.

White flowers with a strong aroma are common in the Myrtaceae. They bloom from early summer to early autumn. Each flower is surrounded by a dense cluster gold stamens, followed by dark black-blue berries. Myrtle leaves are oval, glossy and dark green. They also smell good. This is a genus that contains many plants with a strong fragrance. Most of the species are shrubs or trees.

Two of our favourite Myrtles include:

• Myrtle Tarentina is a smaller-leaved version of common Myrtle Myrtus comunis and has won the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
• Merion myrtle is a rarer variety of the Myrtus comunis "Merion" that has a beautiful architectural structure. Its leaves spiral down when viewed at an angle.

Luma (Luma)

Many gardeners are not familiar with Lumas, but they do know Myrtles. They also have a hard time identifying the difference between them. Lumas are from the same Myrtaceae family as Myrtles and share many similar traits. Both were classified as Myrtles before, and were only reclassified into Luma in the early 1990s. Many of the propagation and maintenance techniques are similar. The flowers are similar, but more compact and closed. The leaves of Luma are often round, but can also be shaped differently.

Lumas, unlike Myrtles which are a bit tender, are native to South America. They are also very hardy and therefore require less protection. Even the clay soil at Jekka’s Herb Farm is adapted for them. They are therefore the perfect evergreens for the changing UK climate. The foliage of all Lumas and Myrtles is not affected by sea water, so they can be grown near the ocean.

Lumas that we love are:

• Chilean Luma is a tall tree ( Luma checken ) that you may like for its height. The most robust Lumas can reach up to 15m with a 6m spread, which makes it a great focal point in a large garden.
• Luma Arrayan is a beautiful evergreen with a cinnamon-like bark that matures. It makes a great specimen plant in the herb garden.
• Dwarf Luma is a very slow-growing tree that can be used as a low hedge. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils but will also adapt to well-drained loam.

Chilean Luma (Luma chequen)

Jekkapedia has more information about the Myrtaceae, including the Chilean Guava (Ugni Molinae), with its delicious round, dark red fruit, affectionately known as "Queen Victoria Strawberries". Try Jekka's Ugni Muffins.

Background, meaning and mythology

The mythology, background and meaning of Lumas are all Myrtle-related.

Myrtle comes from the Greek Myrtos. This is a very popular name for girls in Greece, and with good reason. Myrtle, in Greek mythology is associated with Venus, Aphrodite and other famous female Deities.

According to the story, Venus changed one of her priestesses named Myrrh into Myrtle so that she could protect her against an overeager suitor. Venus wore a Myrtle wreath when Paris awarded her the golden apple in recognition of beauty. She carried a Myrtle spring with her when she emerged from the sea. This plant still thrives in the salty air near the sea.

Around Aphrodite, goddess of beauty, love and passion, myrtle trees are planted. It is also considered an aphrodisiac, and brides use it to ensure a successful marriage.

Propagating Myrtle (Myrtus) & Luma (Luma)

The best way to propagate Myrtle or Luma is by softwood cuttings taken in early summer, and semi-hardwood cuts in early autumn. Both are from non-flowering stems. Both methods require that you pot the plants when they are well-rooted, and let them grow in their pots for approximately 2 seasons. Both benefit from being potted for the first two years to establish and grow strong. Plant out in a site that has been prepared.

Myrtle

How To Grow Myrtle ( Myrtus & Luma( Luma )

Myrtle, like Luma, requires the same techniques for growing and maintaining. Luma, as mentioned previously, is South American and much harder than Myrtle which is a beautiful, tender Mediterranean native.

Both will grow in a fertile, well-drained position in the sun. In dry, cold winters they can survive temperatures as low as -10degC. Variegated varieties can even withstand temperatures of -5degC. They need protection in cold, wet winters. Myrtle can be more vulnerable to wet weather and other elements. Jekka’s top tip for planting them is to place them near a south- or western-facing wall. This will protect them from the winter winds and also reduce the amount of rainfall they receive by about 25 percent.

If temperatures consistently drop below -10degC in your garden, you should grow Myrtle or Luma in pots using soil-based compost. Bring them undercover for the winter to protect them from over-wetting. Myrtle likes to be pot-bound, so don't pot too much or too fast.

It is important that you water your container plants well during the summer and let them dry out in the winter. If in doubt, water less. Jekka recommends Maxicrop liquid seaweed as a weekly liquid fertilizer during the flowering phase. This product is a multivitamin for potted plants, and it extends their flowering time. Too much feed can prevent the plant's flowering.

When growing Luma in a container, the plant will only be able to reach 3m. This is because it can reach 15m in the ground. Jekka was able to exhibit them at the RHS Flower Shows.

How To Prune Myrtle ( Myrtus & Luma( Luma )

Trim back the growth of Myrtle or Luma in spring and not in autumn to avoid damaging, if not killing, the plant. The cold and the wet can enter the plant through the cuts made during pruning, so it's important to prune after all frosts have passed. Jekka says that the best tip for pruning is to make sure your shears have a sharp edge to prevent splitting of branches.

Both Myrtles & Lumas produce new growth from old wood, so you can use shears and re-establish the dome shape. If a branch is broken or the tips are scorched, you can simply cut it back. The new growth will be from the old wood.

Do you want to know more about this? Check out Jekka’s Herbetum for videos on other herbs. Jekka’s Videos on Herb Pruning

Harvesting for medicinal, culinary and culinary purposes

Culinary Uses

The leaves, flowers, berries and bark of both Myrtle & Luma are used to cook.

Both are evergreen, but the best flavour leaves appear in midsummer when the new shoots have begun to change color. When used in cooking, like Bay, the leaves should not be eaten, but rather used to flavor and removed before serving. The leaves have a spicy, bitter, aromatic taste. However, they can overpower so be careful. Add to soups or casseroles.

In rural Italy and Sardinia, food flavoured by the smoke from burning Myrtle is common. Using Myrtle to cook could be a great way to remember past holidays. To achieve a similar result, you can add Myrtle to the glowing coals in a barbecue.

You can pick fresh flowers from Myrtle or Luma in the summer. Add them to pasta and rice dishes sparingly as they have a spicy, warm flavour.

Ripe berries are harvested between late autumn and mid-winter. The berries have a spicy, dry flavour that goes well with boar, duck, and quail. You can substitute the dried berries for pepper or juniper.

Mirto is made by macerating myrtle in alcohol in Sardinia, Corsica and other regions. This is a typical Sardinian drink that can be either red, Mirto rosso, or white, Mirto bianco.

Jekka’s simple Myrtle Salt

Ingredients

• Salt, non-iodised 250g
• 20 Myrtle Leaves

Equipment

• Pestle and mortar
• Bottle or jar that can be sealed and sterilised.

Steps

1. Use a pestle-and-mortar to pound the leaves and salt together. The herb will impart its flavour to the salt.
2. Label the bottles and store them in a dark cabinet. You can use it immediately or store, but the best time to use is within three months.

Looking for more? Browse more recipes based on herbs online.

Medical uses

Myrtle, and Luma, have many medicinal uses. For example, a leaf decoction can be used to treat bruises, haemorrhoids and other external conditions. The seeds also produce an oil with antibiotic properties, and the oil extracted from the berries helps to reduce acne. Due to its high salicylic acid content, it is used to treat skin and scalp conditions. They are therefore very useful to have in an herb garden.

Disclaimer

It is important that you inform your doctor about the use of any alternative medicine or plant with purported medical benefits. This will help to ensure a safe and coordinated treatment. We cannot accept any liability for side effects or adverse reactions from allergies or other causes of harm. You should consult with a medical professional before changing your diet.

Do you want to know more about?

This blog is a continuation of Jekka's Herbs of the Month blogs from January, Rosemary in February, Salad Burnet in March (April), French Tarragon in April (April), Angelica May (May), Alliums June (July), Lavender July (August), Mint September (September), Szechuan Pepper October (November), Thyme November (December) and Curry Tree December (December).

Jekka’s blog, videos and Jekka’s book ‘A Pocketful of Herbs’ or Jekka’s Complete Herb Book’ are all great resources for learning more about herbs. You can also browse Jekkapedia to find herb-based recipes and explore Jekkapedia.

Visit the herb farm at South Gloucestershire during one of our open days, master classes, or herbal experiences. (See our event calendar).

Check out Jekka’s How to Grow Herbs video series and ‘Jekka’s Seasonal tips’ blog series for advice on how to maintain and grow herbs. These include what to do with your herb garden during early spring, later spring, summer, and autumn and winter. Jekka's guide on growing herbs is based on these videos and blog posts.

You can order herb plants and arrange a collection at our herb farm located in South Gloucestershire, or you can attend one of our open days (see our event calendar). You can check our Look Good List for availability, and you can use our Webform to send us your list ([email protected]). There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we offer a limited number of Jekka’s Culinary Boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

Is it safe to eat raw garlic?

Raw garlic contains potent compounds that could cause stomach upset. Garlic should always be cooked before eating.

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments.

Today, garlic is still commonly used for treating colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. In addition, garlic can increase blood circulation, boost immunity, protect against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and reduce stress.

Do not ingest large amounts of raw garlic to avoid possible health problems. It does not harm you if you consume small amounts regularly, however. This is especially true with young children who might accidentally swallow some.

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

• For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
• The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

External Links

[TAG31]

• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

[TAG33]

• Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed


• Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC

[TAG36]

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

[TAG38]

• Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial


• Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB

How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

• Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
• Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
• Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
• Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
• Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
• Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.

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