Common Myrtle, sometimes called Jew Myrtle or Lagui Grass (Myrtus communis), is a species of shrub in the Myrtaceae family. Bush with an erect habit in its youth, it arches with age. Originally from the Mediterranean region, it can reach 300 years. In antiquity, its white flowers symbolized virginal grace and in Rome crowns adorned young girls or married couples. It was valued in biblical times for its fragrance. The berries are stomachic, stimulating and astringent and were widely used as a spice before the advent of pepper. They were used to flavor sausages. The Italian diminutive 'mortadella' comes from it. In Corsica sausages are flavored with myrtle. The berries are also used in Corsica and Sardinia to produce a regional digestive liqueur, myrtle liqueur. An infusion of leaves is used externally to heal wounds and ulcers or, internally, to treat digestive and urinary disorders [ref. necessary]. The essential, antiseptic and expectorant oil contains cineol and myrtenol. It is used in case of respiratory diseases. An eau de toilette has been used under the names of Eau d'ange or Eau de myrte. It is also used as an ornamental shrub.