Sweet Gale (Myrica gale): Uses, Safety, and Simple Ways to Use It

Sweet gale, also called Myrica gale or bog myrtle, is a small aromatic shrub that grows in marshy places across northern Europe and parts of North America. People have used it for centuries — to scent homes, to repel insects, and to flavor gruit ales before hops became common. It’s fragrant, a bit bitter, and shows up in herbal shops under names like marsh tea or bog-myrtle.

What Sweet Gale is used for

Traditional uses cover a few clear areas: digestive support for mild stomach discomfort, topical cleaning for minor skin issues, and as a natural insect repellent. The leaves and twigs hold essential oils and tannins that give them antiseptic and astringent properties in simple folk remedies. Brewers and chefs sometimes use it for smoky, herbal flavors in craft beer and small-batch recipes.

Modern lab work has looked at Sweet Gale’s essential oils and found that they can act against some bacteria and fungi in test-tube studies. That doesn’t mean it replaces antibiotics or prescription treatments, but it does explain why people used it historically to clean wounds or keep insects away. If you’re interested in herbal options for surface cleaning or scenting, Sweet Gale can be a natural choice.

How to use Sweet Gale safely

Safety first: Sweet Gale can irritate sensitive skin. Always do a patch test before rubbing any herbal oil or strong infusion into larger skin areas. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid medicinal use unless a healthcare provider approves it. If you have known plant allergies, especially to related shrubs, skip it or check with an allergist.

Simple preparations you can try at home:

• Tea (infusion): Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 8 oz (240 ml) hot water for 8–10 minutes. Sip warm for mild digestive comfort. Don’t exceed a few cups daily without professional guidance.
• Topical rinse: Make a weak infusion (double the water, half the plant) and cool it. Use as a rinse for minor skin irritations—test a small area first.
• Aromatic use: Add a handful of fresh or dried sprigs to potpourri or simmer in water for natural scent and insect-repelling vapor.

If you use essential oil, dilute heavily. A safe starting point for topical use is below 1% (about 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil). If you’re unsure, stick to dried or fresh herb infusions and commercial preparations with clear labeling.

Want deeper reading? Our site covers marsh tea and related herbal supplements in more detail, including how they fit into modern supplement routines and what to ask your pharmacist before trying them. If you plan to combine Sweet Gale with medications or other supplements, talk with a healthcare pro first.

Sweet Gale is a useful, old-school herb with practical modern uses — but treat it like any active plant: respect the dose, respect your sensitivity, and when in doubt, check with a clinician.