MYRRH Oil | Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh is a resin or sap-like substance, that comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, common in Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the most widely used resins in the world.

 

The Myrrh tree is distinctive due to its white flowers and knotted trunk. At times, the tree has very few leaves due to the dry desert conditions where it grows. It can sometimes take on an odd and twisted shape due to the harsh weather and wind.

 

In order to harvest Myrrh, the tree trunks must be cut into to release the resin. The resin is allowed to dry and begins to look like tears all along the tree trunk. The resin is then collected.

 

Myrrh has a smoky, sweet or sometimes bitter smell. The word ‘Myrrh’ comes from the Arabic word ‘murr’, meaning ‘bitter’.

 

The resin is a red, yellowish, orange color with a pungent smell. It is commonly used as a base for perfume and other fragrances.

 

Two primary active compounds are found in Myrrh, Terpenoids and Sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Sesquiterpenes specifically also have an effect on our emotional center in the Hypothalamus, helping us remain calm and balanced.

 

Both of these compounds are under investigation for their anti-cancer and anti-bacterial benefits, as well as other potential therapeutic uses.

In addition to its pleasant, warm, and earthy scent, myrrh oil may also have several health benefits. Studies suggest that it may help kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microbes. It may also support oral health, help heal skin sores, and ease pain and swelling.

 

Myrrh Oil has many potential benefits, although further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of how it works and dosages for therapeutic benefits.

 

Here are some of the main benefits of Myrrh Oil use:

 

Potent Antioxidant

 

A 2010 animal-based study in the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology found that Myrrh could protect against liver damage in rabbits due to its high antioxidant capacity. There may be some potential for uses in humans also.

 

Anti Cancer Benefits

 

A lab-based study found that Myrrh also has potential anti cancer benefits. The researchers found that Myrrh was able to reduce the proliferation or replication of human cancer cells.

 

They found that Myrrh inhibited growth in eight different types of cancer cells, specifically gynecological cancers. Although further research is needed to determine exactly how to use Myrrh for cancer treatment, this initial research is promising.

 

Anti Bacterial and Anti Fungal Benefits

 

Historically, Myrrh was used to treat wounds and prevent infections. It can still be used in this manner on minor fungal irritations, such as athlete’s foot, bad breath, ringworm (all of which can be caused by Candida) and acne.

 

Myrrh Oil can help fight certain types of bacteria as well. For example, it seems in lab studies to be potent against S. aureus infections (staph). The anti bacterial properties of Myrrh Oil seem to be amplified when it’s used along with Frankincense Oil, another popular biblical oil.

 

Apply a few drops to a clean cotton bud and then apply directly to the skin.

 

Anti Parasitic

 

A medication has been developed using Myrrh as a treatment for Fascioliasis, a parasitic worm infection that infects humans worldwide. This parasite is generally transmitted by ingesting aquatic algae and other plants.

 

A medication made with Myrrh was able to decrease symptoms of the infection, as well as a drop in parasite egg count found in the feces.

 

Skin Health

 

Myrrh can help maintain healthy skin by soothing chapped or cracked patches. It is commonly added to skin care products to help with moisturizing and for fragrance. Ancient Egyptians used it to prevent aging and maintain healthy skin.

 

A research study in 2010 discovered that topical application of Myrrh Oil helped elevate white blood cells around skin wounds, leading to faster healing.

 

Relaxation

 

Myrrh is commonly used in aromatherapy for massages. It can also be added to a warm bath or applied directly to the skin.

 

Myrrh has been used for thousands of years in traditional healing therapies and religious ceremonies.

 

Myrrh uses historically include fragrance, embalming, flavoring for food, treating hay fever, as an antiseptic to clean and treat wounds, as a liquid band aid to help stop bleeding.

 

The Chinese frequently used Myrrh as a medicine and it remains a part of traditional Chinese medicine to this day. The Myrrh use by the Egyptians was for embalming and Jewish people used it to make the holy anointing oil that was used in worship.

 

The most common historical Myrrh use was to burn the resin over hot coals. This would release a mysterious, spiritual quality into any room before a religious ceremony.

 

It has also been used in aromatherapy for its meditative quality or for prayer, usually in combination with Frankincense.

 

The smell of Myrrh has been traditionally thought of as a symbol of suffering, burned at funerals or other solemn events. At times, however, it is blended with Frankincense to help produce a more uplifting aroma. These lighter blends have been used to help promote inspiration and emotional insight.

 

The resin obtained from the bark of myrrh is a pungent, astringent, aromatic herb that is strongly stimulant, antiseptic and expectorant. It relieves spasms, inflammation and digestive discomfort and encourages healing. It is particularly associated with women's health and purification rituals. The oil is taken internally in the treatment of dyspepsia, bronchial and ear infections, glandular fever, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, gingivitis, menstrual and circulatory problem.

 

Myrrh oil is used externally to treat mouth ulcers, wounds and boils and is often added to oral preparations. It is one of the most effective herbal medicines for treating sore throats, mouth ulcers and gingivitis. The mild astringency makes it a useful treatment for acne, boils and mild inflammatory skin problems. The resin is collected from cut branches and dried to a solid, which can be distilled for oil, ground into a powder for tablets, or dissolved in tinctures. An essential oil obtained from the resin is used by aromatherapists as a natural antiseptic for treating skin and mouth problems.

A fragrant, balsam-like gum oleo-resin is obtained from wounds in the bark of the stems. It is used for flavouring beverages, baked goods, sweets, desserts and chewing gum.

A hard, translucent, yellowish gum-resin is obtained from wounds in the stem.It has an aromatic taste and odour, but may be acrid and bitter.It is inflammable, but burns feebly. It is used for perfumery and as an incense during religious ceremonies. It was also originally used in embalming. Myrrh is a common ingredient of toothpowder, and is used with borax in tincture, with other ingredients, as a mouth-wash. An essential oil can be obtained from the resin. The oil is deep amber in colour with a warm, spicy, bitter and smoky aroma. Myrrh oil is considered helpful for meditation, and aromatherapists recommend the naturally antiseptic essential oil for skin and mouth problems.

 

Myrrh does have some side effects that need to be considered before using it therapeutically. As always, it is best to speak to your Doctor first.

 

Since one of its common uses is topical, people with sensitive skin should be cautious. Myrrh has been found to cause dermatitis or inflammation of the skin in some people. Always test it first in a small area before applying it all over the skin to make sure you don’t have any allergic reaction.

 

If taken internally, Myrrh may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Although it is generally not serious, chronic diarrhea can lead do dehydration, so discontinue its use if you are experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

 

Pregnant women should avoid taking Myrrh because it may enhance uterine contractions.

 

Other potential side effects of Myrrh are heart irregularities and lowered blood pressure, although these are mostly seen at high doses of more than 5ml per day. Anyone with a medical condition related to the heart should ask a Doctor before using Myrrh Oil.

 

Myrrh may lower blood sugar, therefore it is not recommended for people with diabetes or other blood sugar conditions. Since it interacts with blood glucose it is also not recommended for people undergoing surgery, and it is best to stop its use at least 2 weeks before surgery.

 

Myrrh Oil is not recommended for people using anti-coagulants as it may have potential interactions with this medication. It is also not recommended for people on diabetes medication as there is a potential for a drug interaction.