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Myrrh (Commiphora molmol syn. C. myrrha)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Burseraceae
  • Common Names: Myrrh, Guggul, Balm of Gilead
  • Parts Used: Resin (gum)

Description

Myrrh is a small, thorny tree native to northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The tree exudes a yellowish-brown resin when its bark is cut, which hardens into tears or clumps. This resin has been valued for its medicinal, aromatic, and ceremonial uses for millennia.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in ancient Egypt for embalming, incense, and wound healing.
  • Traditionally employed in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat respiratory and digestive ailments.
  • Incorporated into religious ceremonies and as an ingredient in holy anointing oils.

Constituents

  • Volatile oils (eugenol, limonene)
  • Resins (commiphoric acids)
  • Sesquiterpenes
  • Tannins
  • Flavonoids

Actions

  • Antimicrobial
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Astringent
  • Immune-stimulating
  • Expectorant
  • Vulnerary (wound-healing)

Medicinal Uses

1. Respiratory Health:
Myrrh acts as an expectorant, helping to clear mucus and relieve symptoms of bronchitis, colds, and sore throats.

2. Oral and Gum Health:
Traditionally used as a mouthwash to treat gum infections, mouth ulcers, and bad breath due to its antimicrobial properties.

3. Wound Healing and Skin Conditions:
Applied topically, myrrh promotes the healing of wounds, cuts, and ulcers. Its astringent properties help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

4. Digestive Support:
Myrrh is used to stimulate digestion, relieve gas, and address gastrointestinal infections, including dysentery.

5. Immune System Boost:
By stimulating immune activity, myrrh helps protect against bacterial and fungal infections.

6. Menstrual and Uterine Health:
Traditionally used to relieve menstrual cramps, promote regular cycles, and address uterine disorders.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Mouthwash or Gargle):

  • 1-2 tsp of powdered myrrh resin in a cup of warm water. Use as a gargle for sore throats or mouthwash for oral infections.

Tincture:

  • 1-2 ml of myrrh tincture, taken 2-3 times daily for immune or digestive support.

Poultice:

  • Mix powdered myrrh with water or oil and apply to wounds or inflamed skin.

Capsules:

  • 300-600 mg of powdered resin per dose, taken 1-2 times daily.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid during pregnancy, as myrrh may stimulate uterine contractions.
  • High Doses: Excessive consumption can cause nausea and kidney irritation.
  • Medication Interactions: May interact with blood-thinning medications and diabetes treatments.
  • Allergic Reactions: Individuals sensitive to resins or balsams should use caution.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Ayurvedic: Warming and astringent, myrrh pacifies kapha and vata but can aggravate pitta in excess.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used to invigorate blood, reduce swelling, and relieve pain.

Combinations

  • For Respiratory Health: Combine with licorice and thyme.
  • For Oral Health: Combine with goldenseal and calendula.
  • For Wound Healing: Combine with comfrey and echinacea.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: The resin is collected by making incisions in the bark and allowing the sap to dry into hardened tears.
  • Drying: No additional drying is necessary; the hardened resin can be collected directly.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Modern Research

Studies have demonstrated myrrh’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Research is ongoing into its potential for treating infections, inflammatory diseases, and oral health conditions.

Myrrh remains a powerful herb in traditional and modern herbal medicine, offering versatile benefits for immune health, wound healing, and digestive support.