Myrique baumier | Feuille entière séchée (Myrica gale)

What is sweetgale?

Sweetgale, also known as bog myrtle, gives off incredibly delightful forest aromas. It is mainly used in cooking to season soups and stews, but also goes very well with any type of game meat. Its leaves are used in the making of craft beer and microbreweries to add a touch of flavor and create froth. Of course, it's also used to make local boreal infusions!

How to use sweetgale?

Infusion: You can prepare an herbal tea by adding about a tablespoon of dried sweetgale leaves or branches to a cup of hot water. Let steep for 5 to 10 minutes before straining and drinking. This infusion is ideal for supporting respiratory health and easing tension.

Decoction: To extract more of its purifying properties, you can boil sweetgale leaves or branches in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain the decoction before drinking it.

Inhalation: You can also use sweetgale to purify the air in your home. Add dried leaves or branches to a bowl of hot water and inhale the vapors. This can help clear airways and create a soothing atmosphere.

Learn more

This plant is astringent, but be careful, it is also abortifacient if taken in the first trimester. It was formerly used to repel insects in general as well as to make dye. If you ever go fishing in Quebec, you have undoubtedly come across this shrub. It profusely encircles lake shores, so much so that it often blocks access to certain places. If you canoe, you've probably already gotten stuck in a thicket!