Myrrh

Commiphora molmol syn. C. myrrha

Bola Gum Myrrh Tree Mu-yao Myrrh Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions Applications

Myrrh is an oleo-gum-resin (a mixture of volatile oil, gum, and resin) obtained from Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl., Commiphora molmol Engl. (Somalian myrrh), Commiphora mada, gascariensis Jacq. [Abyssian myrrh; syn. C. abyssinica (Berg) Engl.] or other species of Commiphora. These are small trees of the family Burseraceae, native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Arabian peninsula. Myrrh consists of irregular masses or tear-shaped pieces, dark yellow or reddish brown in color, that exude naturally or from incisions made in the bark. The different commercial varieties are named according to their source, for example, Somali myrrh and Arabian myrrh.

Modern herbalists recommend myrrh as an antiseptic. It is incorporated into a salve that is applied externally in treating hemorrhoids, bed sores, and wounds. The tincture (alcoholic solution) is considered an effective oral astringent and is used as a mouthwash or for treating sore throat and similar conditions. Myrrh is taken internally for indigestion, ulcers, and to relieve bronchial congestion. It even enjoys some reputation as an emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow). The suggestion that myrrh can be therapeutic in cancer, leprosy, and syphilis is farfetched.

Myrrh contains about 8 percent of a volatile oil, 25 to 40 percent of resin, and about 60 percent of gum. Various aldehydes and phenolic constituents in the volatile oil combine with acidic constituents in the resin to produce some astringent and antiseptic properties in the oleogum-resin. The physical properties of the gum and resin also confer a protective action on the mixture. Although myrrh is presently an ingredient in several commercial mouthwashes, it is far more widely used as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes and a flavor component in food products such as candy, baked goods, and so on. German regulatory authorities allow myrrh powder and tincture for the topical treatment of mild inflammations of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Myrrh has been valued since antiquity for its antiseptic and detoxifying properties. Myrrh is bitter, astringent and pungent and its predominant effect is warming and stimulating. Myrrh makes a wonderful rejuvenating tonic for those feeling tired and run down. Myrrh increases the circulation, dispels cold and any resultant weakness. Myrrh pushes out eruptions as it brings blood to the surface of the body, helping to resolve rashes and eruptive infections and to bring down fevers. Myrrh increases circulation to the reproductive system, relaxing spasm and regulating periods. At childbirth, myrrh helps promote efficient contractions and relieves pain.

Myrrh acts as a stimulating expectorant and decongestant in the respiratory system, useful for bronchitis, asthma, colds and catarrh. The additional benefit of its powerful antiseptic action, active against viral and bacterial infection, helps fight off disease and it stimulates the body's immune response. Its astringent action helps arrest discharges, phlegm and chronic catarrh.
In the digestive tract its warming effect stimulates the appetite and the flow of digestive juices, improving digestion and absorption. It both relaxes and invigorates the stomach, dispelling colic and spasm, wind and distension, and fatigue associated with weak digestion. By improving digestion myrrh clears toxins from the digestive tract and acts as a general detoxifying and anti-inflammatory remedy, useful in arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Its antibacterial and antifungal action helps restrain infection and candidiasis in the gut and clears intestinal parasites.

PARTS USED

Gum resin, essential oil.

USES

Therapeutic properties - The medicinal actions of myrrh have not been well researched, although its astringent, antiseptic, and antimicrobial actions have been confirmed. Myrrh is not soluble in water and is therefore normally taken in the form of a powder or a tincture, rather than as an infusion. Myrrh is not easily absorbed by the intestines and so is generally used in external treatments or gargles rather than in internal remedies.
Ayurvedic remedy - In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is considered to be tonic and aphrodisiac and to cleanse the blood. Myrrh also has a reputation for improving the intellect. Myrrh is widely used throughout India and the Middle East for the treatment of mouth, gum, throat, and digestive problems, as well as for irregular and painful menstruation.
Mouth & gum remedy - Myrrh is one of the most effective herbal medicines in the world for sore throats, canker sores, and gingivitis (gum infections). The diluted tincture is used as a mouthwash and is effective as a gargle, helping to counter infection and inflammation and tighten the affected tissue.
External uses - Externally, myrrh's astringent and antiseptic actions make it a useful treatment for acne and boils, as well as for mild inflammatory skin problems. The herb's drying and slightly anesthetizing effect has led to its use in Germany as a treatment for pressure sores caused by prosthetic limbs.
Other medical uses - Strep Throat, Tooth decay.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Native to northeastern Africa, especially Somalia, myrrh is now also found in Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, India, Iran, and Thailand. Myrrh grows in thickets and likes well-drained soil in the sun. Myrrh is propagated from seed in spring or from cuttings at the end of the growing season. The resin is collected from cut branches and is dried for use.

CONSTITUENTS

Myrrh contains volatile oil, resin, gums.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Tincture of myrrh is usually taken at a dose of 1-2 ml three times per day. The tincture can also be applied topically for canker sores and athlete's foot. Due to the gummy nature of the product, a tea cannot be made from myrrh. Capsules, containing up to 1 gram of resin taken three times per day, can also be used.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

No adverse effects from myrrh usage have been reported.

APPLICATIONS

RESIN:

TINCTURE - Use for infectious, feverish conditions, from head colds to glandular fever. It is ideal for upper respiratory problems, and can be added to expectorant mixtures. Take up to 5 ml a day in 1 - 2 ml doses, well diluted with water.

CAPSULES - Use as a more palatable alternative to the tincture; take one 200 mg capsule up to 5 times a day.

GARGLE/MOUTHWASH - Use 1-2 ml  tincture in half a cup of water for sore throats and mouth ulcers.

DOUCHE - Use the diluted tincture for thrush.

POWDER - In China, myrrh (3 - 9 g) is used as an analgesic, powdered with safflowers for abdominal pain associated with blood stagnation, as in menstrual pain.

ESSENTIAL OIL:

OIL - Dilute 10 drops in 25 ml water, shake well, and use externally on wounds and chronic ulcers, or in lotions for hemorrhoids.

CHEST RUB - Use 1 ml oil in 15 ml almond or sunflower oil for bronchitis and colds with thick phlegm.