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Information about the herb Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha, also known as Gum Myrrh Tree is part of the Burseraceae plant family. Myrrh is the aromatic gummy substance (resin) exuded by certain trees
and shrubs growing in eastern Africa (Somalia) and Arabia.
Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Plant Family: Burseraceae
Common Names: Balsamodendron Myrrha, Gum Myrrh Tree
History: Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc., in the holy oil of the Jews and the Kyphi of the Egyptians for embalming and fumigations. It is mentioned in an Egyptian papyrus dated 2000 B.C.
Tradition: Myrrh was
- a standard magical herb to be included in the tools of everyone
- burned to purify and protect
- used to consecrate and purify ritual tools and objects needing to be blessed
Contains:
- acetates of potassa
- ash
- benzoates
- bitters
- gum
- malates
- Myrrhin [resin]
- resins
- salts
- sulfates
- volatile oil
Action:
- antimicrobial [an agent that destroys microbes]
- antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria] (Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic being second only to Echinacea)
- astringent [an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines]
- disinfectant [an agent that cleanses infection by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease-producing micro-organisms; antiseptic]
- emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
- expectorant
[an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous from the respiratory passages]
healing - stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- stomachic carminative [exciting appetite and the flow of gastric juices]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
Medicinal Parts Used: The oleo gum resin from the stem
Myrrh is used for:
Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Conditions
- Candida/Thrush
- destroys bacteria it comes into contact with
- herpes
Blood Conditions
- increases the number of white blood cells
Cardiovascular Conditions
- increasing circulation
Female Conditions
- excessive bleeding during menstruation, combined with Aloe vera
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- constipation, especially when combined with Aloe vera
- used as a tonic in dyspepsia
Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:
- bad breath
Immune System Conditions
- stimulates the immune system
Respiratory System Conditions
- asthma
- bronchial and other chest problems
- chest problems
- chronic catarrh
- coughs
- disinfects the secretions of bronchial mucous membranes
Myrrh is used as an expectorant only if there are no feverish symptoms present
Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:
- inflamed throat
- tonsillitis
- ulcerated mouth, throat and tongue
Other
- bad legs
- debility, combined with Aloe vera
- sore or loose teeth
- spongy gums
- ulcers
Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:
- abscesses
- fighting and preventing gum disease
- gingevitis
- sore or loose teeth
- spongy gums
- weak gums
Externally Myrrh is useful as a douche for:
- leucorrhea
- a local disinfectant
and as a wash for:
- abscesses
- boils
- cold sores (early stage)
- foul ulcers
- skin infections
- sores and wounds
Other Uses:
- cosmetics
- embalming
- incense
- perfumes
Myrrh is a strong cleaning and healing agent, soothing the body and speeding the healing process and is often used in combination with Golden Seal.
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 10-30mL per week of 1:5 fluid extract
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Myrrh without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Myrrh available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
