Myrique baumier, feuille

What is sweet gale?

Sweet gale, also known as bog myrtle, releases simply incredible, delicious forest aromas. It is mainly used in cooking to season soups and stews, but it also goes very well with any type of game. Its leaves are used in the making of craft beer and microbreweries to add a touch of flavor and make it foam. Of course, it is also used to make local boreal infusions!

How to use sweet gale?

Infusion: You can prepare an herbal tea by adding about a tablespoon of dried sweet gale leaves or branches to a cup of hot water. Let it infuse 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 sweet gale leaves or branches in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain the decoction before drinking it.

Inhalation: You can also use sweet gale 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 the respiratory passages and create a soothing atmosphere.

Learn more

This plant is astringent, but beware, it is also abortifacient if taken in the first trimester. It was once used to repel insects in general and to make dye. If you ever go fishing in Quebec, you have surely come across this shrub. It profusely encircles lake edges, so much so that it often blocks access in some places. If you canoe, you have probably already gotten stuck in a thicket!