Bog Myrtle help please

Diana · Bog Myrtle help please

Have discovered a profusion of bog myrtle and am keen to try it's midge repelling properties, but is there some way I can preserve it?

Steeped in oil? Decoction? Any suggestions.

Whether it works or not (not picked as I don't know what to do with it) it smells divine!!!

Julie

Perhaps you could try drying some to preserve it until you find a recipe for a cream? It's easy to do, you just tie it in small bunches and hang them upside down in an airy place for a time, until they are dry and brittle. Then you can rub the leaves between your hands over a sheet of newspaper which will catch the crumbles and pour them into an airtight jar to store them. If you think there might be properties lost by evaporation, pluck the leaves and macerate them in a food processor then freeze the mush in a plastic bag or tub. I preserve herbs successfully using both those methods.
Did you watch that series where the young man showed how to make herbal preparations in your own kitchen - it wasn't all that long ago, but I can't remember his name? If you can find one of his recipes for a 'carrier' cream base you would be onto a winner I reckon. Gordon is eaten alive by those beasties, he would probably love some Bog myrtle. Is it possible to transplant a bit?

Diana

Did think about drying, but thought the oils might be lost.

Freezing - now that's a great idea.

Didn't see the programme you mentioned, but do know the one you mean - will hunt it out.

Was also thinking of "propagating" some somehow - did wonder if having some in the garden by the seating area might be useful. I'll let you know what I come up with.

Diana

have found this (and lots of others) on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCGU7pAlP9Y

Julie

That's him! Great, now you can make some beastie repellent