Myrrh
MYRRH
Commiphora myrrha; Commiphora spp.
Common Name
Family
Actions
Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-depressive, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, calmative, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, vulnerary
Energetics
Warming
Edible Uses
Not edible, although it is rarely used as internal medicine in minute doses
Native To
Arabian Peninsula, Northeast Africa
Geographic Distribution
Various species of myrrh are continue to originate in Arabia and parts of Africa. Growing in other locations has not been successful.
Botanical Description & Identification
Describing Myrrh resin can be difficult as general characteristics may differ from one tree to the next, even within the same species. However, the resin, or gum, is collected from thorny, shrubby trees that are relatively short in stature that usually reach between roughly 6-16 feet in height. The leaves appear after the rainy season and then disappear shortly after, leaving the tree mostly leafless. It flowers for a period of time and produces a fruit called drupe, which is equally small (about 1 cm in diameter). The bark itself is papery and naturally peeled in appearance. The resin is a whitish-yellow color until it quickly dries and turns solid, turning it into a reddish brown as it hardens.
Key Constituents
Essential oil, sesquiterpenes, alcohol-soluble resin, commiphoric acids, water-soluble gum
Sustainability Issues
Certain regions containing Myrrh have been known to deforest their population of trees due to war or over-harvesting. While Myrrh is not known to be an at risk tree, or even 'under review' for sustainability issues, it is important to harvest only from known eco-friendly regions and companies since these trees only have the potential to grow in their native regions and cannot easily be reproduced throughout the world.
Harvesting Guidelines
Myrrh resin has been known to flow naturally from its tree barks however the barks are intentionally punctured to allow free-flow and collection of the resin when gathered for commercial purposes.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF MYRRH:
Myrrh is known to:
*Clean & treat wounds as an anti-septic
*Stop unnecessary bleeding
*Protect liver and other organs as an antioxidant
*Prevent and balance out bacterial infections (antibacterial)
*Prevent and dispel parasites (anti-parasitic)
*Improve and help balance skin health and appearance
*Promote the elevation of white blood cells enabling wound healing
*Relax strained or tense muscles
*Promote a balanced respiratory system
*Promote a balanced digestive system
*Aid in preventing and improving skin disorders
*Be used as an aphrodisiac
*Help to improve womb conditions
*Help to improve circulation and nervous system functions
Myrrh is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Adult onset diabetes, hypothyroidism, pimples, eczema, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma, tonsillitis, diphtheria, tuberculosis, gum disease, indigestion, gas, dysentery, colitis, worms, rectal fissures, hemorrhoids, yeast infections, amenorrhea, uterine tumors, infertility, deficient labor, afterbirth help, menopause, abrasions, ulcers, boils, wounds, herpes, scarlet fever
Most common uses:
Most commonly used topically for skin infections, wound mending, and overall blemish reduction as well as for discomforts of the mouth.
Fun Facts:
Myrrh is:
* Known in Arab regions to be prescribed by doctors as a medicinal gum by
chewing on the hardened pieces of resin straight from the bark
* Known to help kapha (an aryuvedic constitution) type individuals with depressed
states in physicality and mind
* Associated in ancient times with wealth, beauty, healing, and mystery
* Was used by ancient Egyptians to embalm their deceased
* Popular as an incense, in ancient times and today
* Known as a 'Great Cleanser and Strengthener of the Womb'
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Lahhari, A. (2021). Native American Herbalist's Bible.
Recipes and Monographs Compiled From The Intermediate Herbal Course. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
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