A few weeks ago I stripped the ripe myrtle berries from the bush in the courtyard and laid them on a tray to dry in the capacious airing cupboard.  This evening I got out the wooden pestle and mortar and ground the berries into a sort of pepper.  The smell is strong and almost medicinal.  Looking at the web there is some evidence that myrtle berries have antiseptic properties and aid digestion.  Any information from a reliable source would be welcome.  Meanwhile I might just sniff the powder to ward off what feels like a cold!