What Is Sweet Gale?

Sweet gale, also known as bog myrtle, gives off simply incredible, delicious forest aromas. It is used mainly in cooking to season soups and stews, and is also excellent with any kind of game. Its leaves are used in craft and microbrewery beer to add flavour and help the beer foam. And of course, it makes a wonderful, truly local boreal infusion!

How to Use Sweet Gale

Infusion: Add about 1 tablespoon of dried sweet gale leaves or twigs to a cup of hot water. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. This infusion is ideal for supporting respiratory health and easing tension.

Decoction: To draw out more of its purifying properties, boil the leaves or twigs in water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain before drinking.

Inhalation: Sweet gale can also freshen the air in your home. Add dried leaves or twigs to a bowl of hot water and breathe in the steam. It can help clear the airways and create a soothing atmosphere.

Good to Know

Caution: This plant is astringent and is also abortive if taken during the first trimester of pregnancy.

It was once used to repel insects and to make dye. If you've ever gone fishing in Quebec, you've surely come across this shrub. It grows so thickly along lakeshores that it often blocks access to certain spots, and if you canoe, you've probably gotten stuck in a patch of it!

Size: 7 g bulk bag.