Secret of Norsemen's potion revealed

The Vikings used Bog Myrtle before battles

The Vikings went to war on it, the Scots used it to flavour their beer and in Wales the Celts treated their wounds with it.

But now the remarkable properties of the bog myrtle plant may be set for a comeback.

Bog Myrtle grows in abundance in mid Wales

At least, that is what scientists in mid Wales are hoping.

The Molecularnature company based at the Grassland and Environmental Research Centre in Aberystwyth is looking for previously unknown chemical compounds which can be extracted from bog myrtle.

They have been studying cuttings of the plant collected from a nearby nature reserve near Aberystwyth last September.

The plant, which has dark green leaves and bright orange flowers, gives off a strong aromatic smell and the Cors Fochno National Nature Reserve, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth has ideal growing conditions.

It has also been reported that cases of poor memory and mental confusion in old age were successfully treated with bog myrtle

Nature warden Mike Bailey

Several kilograms have been collected and tested to extract and purify the different compounds that make up the plant.

Nature Warden Mike Bailey said in days gone by soldiers injured in battle would have their wounds dressed in it.

He claimed bog myrtle was used for everything from treating depression to repelling insects.

"We are hopeful that this plant may have significant pharmaceutical use," he said.

Hallucinogens

"The leaves are said to be of special value during bouts of depression or strain as it quickly revives the spirit, quickens the mind and strengthens the nerves.

"It has also been reported that cases of poor memory and mental confusion in old age were successfully treated with bog myrtle."

But he warned people against trying home-made Bog Myrtle concoctions - especially because unpurified the shrub contains hallucinogens and carcinogens.

"The Vikings are said to have made themselves crazy with Bog Myrtle infusions before going into battle," he added.

"If they survived the battle they may well have died of cancer soon afterwards!"