Myrica gale (Bog Myrtle) leaf oil - Highlanders have long valued the blue-green leaves of bog myrtle. It has been used to flavour Ale (beer), and the beautifully fragrant leaves used to keep away midges. A sprig of Bog Myrtle would be tucked behind the ear or in a hat as a repellant to keep the midges at bay. Scots herbalists have also long valued the wonderful antibacterial properties of Bog Myrtle (sometimes referred to as Scotland's tea tree), however its uses have mostly been forgotten in recent times. The plant thrives in Scottish Highland peat bogs, alongside rivers and on the edge of our lochs. Bog myrtle essential oil is also reputed to be extremely useful for sensitive skin and acne, and helping to delay skin-ageing. Bog Myrtle has a fresh herbal, lemony scent.
