• Traditionally used to help support digestion, infection, dyspepsia, colds, congestion and more.

Name

Commiphora myrrha Engi. (Burseraceae), Commiphora molmol Engl. Myrrh is also obtained from at least two or three more distinct plants with a confusing variety of names. Commonly called Myrrh, Commiphora resin, Heerabol Myrrh or Somalian Myrrh. In French, it is Myrrhe; in German, it is Myrrha.

Source

Myrrh is the name applied to the resin extracted from the stems of a related group of small trees or bushes that grow mainly in Somalia. The resin is obtained by cutting the stems and collecting the thick yellow liquid that drains from them. As the liquid dries it hardens into a reddish-brown, somewhat sticky, solid. The resin contains water-soluble gums, alcohol-soluble resins, and an essential oil. Depending on where the trees are grown, the dried resin may contain anywhere from two to eight percent of a volatile oil. Myrrh comes from the same family (Burseraceae) as the other famous resin, frankincense.

History

Myrrh was, of course, one of the gifts carried by the Three Wise Men to the Christ Child but, in fact, myrrh was used long before the Bible was ever written.

According to Greek mythology, Myrrha, the daughter of the King of Cyprus, took up Aphrodite's challenge, and had a child by her own father. The child was Adonis, the darling of the earth and heavens. Myrrha's father became outraged when he found out how he had been duped. He would have killed Myrrha had she not already been changed into a tree by the other gods who were trying to protect her!

Dioscoriades mentions myrrh in his herbal, and so did Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). Even before the birth of Christ, wine makers in the Middle East knew that by adding myrrh to wine they could reduce it from being ruined by the absence of disinfectants. In the 10th Century, Arab and European physicians alike firmly believed that chewing on the resin could reduce travelers from catching the plague (it didn't).

Culpepper's Herbal, written in 1790, recommended applying myrrh to wounds in order to help avoid infection (along with using it to induce labor, disinfect, support cough and freshen the breath.). Myrrh is still used as a breath freshener today.

Traditional Support Uses

Expectorant, antispasmodic, disinfectant, astringent, and for support of bad breath.

Commission E Recommendations

As a topical support for mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Possible Effects

Myrrh's ability to help support pain is explained by the presence of two molecules called sesquiterpene lactones (furanoeudsema-1, 3-diene and curzarene). The results of studies with experimental animals have shown that both of these molecules bind to brain opiate receptors. In other words, they activate some of the same brain circuits that are activated by drugs like morphine and heroin.

In experimental animals, myrrh's ability to help support pain is completely blocked by giving the narcotic antagonist naloxone (the drug used to help support narcotic overdoses). Of the two lactones, furanoeudesma-1, 3-diene is by far the most potent, but only very small amounts are contained in the resin.

Myrrh also contains another, completely unrelated sesquiterpene lactone called T-cardinol. Laboratory studies have shown that T cardinol relaxes smooth muscle, and shares common mechanisms of action with some drugs that are widely used to help support high blood pressure (calcium blocking agents).

Both the intestines and larger blood vessels have smooth muscle in their walls. If the smooth muscle contained in blood vessels relaxes, the vessel dilates and blood pressure drops. If the smooth muscle in the intestine relaxes, the normal propulsive movement of the intestine ceases. Constipation is the result.

One side effect of most of the calcium blockers used to help support high blood pressure is, in fact, constipation. The fact that T-cardinol has the ability to relax smooth muscle probably explains why Middle Eastern physicians have, for thousands of years, used myrrh resin to help support diarrhea and upset stomach. The practice persists today. Physicians in Somalia still support severe diarrheal issues with four to six grams of crushed resin in a liter of water. Unfortunately, neither the analgesic effects, nor the antidiarrheal effects, have ever been evaluated in a real clinical trial.

Dosage

Commission E recommends a myrrh liquid extract, applied undiluted, three times a day to the irritated skin. It can also be used as a rinse or gargle; 5-10 drops of the liquid extract in a glass of water, as needed. The Commission also recommends dental powders containing not more than 10% of the resin.

Myrrh is the aromatic, gummy substance exuded by certain trees and shrubs growing in eastern Africa and Arabia, and has been used historically for its antiseptic, astringent, carminative, and stomachic properties.

Myrrh Gum's three great actions are on digestion, infection, and vaginitis. Myrrh gum is antiseptic to mucous membranes, and, curiously, both inhibits oversecretion and dis-inhibits undersecretion of these tissues. Thus, it normalizes mucous membrane activity.

Myrrh Gum acts directly and rapidly on the peptic glands to increase activity, and in this way increases digestion. In cases of dyspepsia accompanied by excess mucous formation, Myrrh is highly recommended by today's herbalists.

The anti-infectious nature of Myrrh plays an active role in many of today's herbal formulations. The bacteriostatic and antiseptic properties of the herb have been experimentally verified in both America and China.

And finally, Myrrh Gum is known to contain many volatile oils which make the herb ideally suited for promoting free breathing during congestive colds, and for clearing out mucous-clogging passages in the body. It increases circulation by stimulating capillary activity, restores tone and normal secretion, can increase digestion, help promotes the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, increase the number of white blood cells, and through all of these means is helpful in supporting feverish symptoms like cold skin, weak pulse, and so on.

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for sores in the mouth & throat, sore teeth & gums, coughs, asthma, and other chest problems. It can also be taken internally for bad breath, for loose teeth, and for weak gums. Its disinfectant properties make Myrrh suitable as a wash for sore s or wounds, and also as a douche. Add myrrh powder to the sore or wound after washing for continued disinfectant activity.

Myrrh has been with us for thousands of years; it was one of the precious spices brought to Jesus when he was born. Myrrh Gum may aid the body in the support of the respiratory system and the maintenance of clear healthy breathing passages. It may also provide support in the body's management of the integumentary system of skin, hair, and nails.

Myrrh is mainly used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory for the topical support of mouth and throat infections (gingivitis and other gum healths, tonsillitis, mouth irritations). It is bitter tasting and astringent, and can be used traditionally for a wide range of other complaints, including the common cold (support for nasal congestion and cough), wounds and irritations and particularly for infections in the mouth, gums and throat.

Myrrh Tree
Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. (= C molmol Engl.).

Family: Burseraceae.

Other Names: African myrrh; myrrhe (French); Myrrhe (German); mirra (Italian); mirra (Spanish).

Description: True myrrh is a thorny shrub or small tree of about 3 m in height. The hairless, toothed leaves each has a large terminal leaflet and two lateral leaflets which are much small or sometimes absent Pink and yellow flowers are followed by beaked fruit of about 12 mm long.

Origin: Somalia, Ethiopia and parts of Kenya; wild-harvested for centuries.

Parts Used: Bitter tasting oleo-resin that exudes naturally from the bark (myrrh; Myrrha). Damaging the stems to increase the exudation gives an inferior product.

Therapeutic Category: Astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.

Active Ingredients: Myrrh contains complex polysaccharides, rriterpenoids, triterpene acids and an essential oil (3-6%) rich in sesquiterpenes (Beta-elemen, theta-elemen) and furanosesquiterpenes of the elemen-, eudesmen-, guaien- and germacren-types. Furanoeu-desma-1,3-diene (about 50%) is the main compound.

Health Effects: Animal studies have shown anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and astringent activities.

Notes: The myrrh of the Bible originates from Ethiopian and Somalian Commiphora guidottii and is today referred to as scented myrrh. Commiphora abyssinica yields Arabian or Fadhli myrrh, while C. gileadensis is the source of balm of Gilead (Mecca myrrh). Gum opopanax is collected from C. kataf and other species. Another type of myrrh, gugulon, originates from Indian C. mukul. It is an important anti-inflammatory in Ayurveda and lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Status: Pharm.; Comm. E+; ESCOP 6.

Preparation and Dosage: For topical use, undiluted myrrh liquid extract is dabbed onto the affected area two or three times a day. For a mouth rinse or gargle, up to 60 drops of a liquid extract are added to a glass of warm water, while dental powders contain 10% of dried, powdered resin.



The bitter, spicy gum resin from the myrrh tree exhibits antiseptic, stimulant, emmenagogue, astringent, carminative, expectorant, and antispasmodic properties. Disorders related to the heart, liver, and spleen may all benefit from taking myrrh in tea or supplement form. This biblical herb may have been used traditionally to help support menstrual congestion, pains, and gas. It can also be used as a mouthwash, and in combination with echinacea for infections. In terms of the biochemical composition of myrrh, it contains essential oil, resins, and gum; guggul is made from the prepared gum resin and has steroid activity useful for joint and rheumatic problems.



Myrrh is one of the best antiseptics known and is commonly applied as a disinfectant to wounds. When combined with goldenseal, it can be made into a rejuvenating antiseptic salve useful for the potential to help support symptoms of hemorrhoids, bedsores and wounds. A liquid extract of myrrh diluted with water is excellent as a mouthwash and for spongy gums, pyorrhea, sore throat and other ailments requiring an antiseptic astringent.

Internally, myrrh has a variety of uses including supporting indigestion and gas, suppressed and painful menstruation, joint pain and rheumatic complaints, chronic catarrh (phlegm) and bronchial congestion, and supporting irritations. It also combines well with echinacea root, goldenseal, chapparal and garlic as a disinfectant agent against most acute inflammatory complaints.

In India, the gum of a particular species is purified by cooking it in triphala (a special detoxifying combination of fruits). This is cooked down into a thick black substance that is dried and called guggul. It is taken for arteriosclerosis, joint and rheumatic problems and to open the channels of blood and nerve conduction. The average dose is two or three mung-bean-sized pills three times daily.

Generally, because of its emmenagogic properties, myrrh should be avoided during pregnancy. Further, because resins can be hard on the kidneys if taken over a prolonged period-longer than a couple of weeks-it should not be taken continuously unless properly balanced with other demulcent herbs. This is not true of the purified guggul, however.

Myrrh is the aromatic, gummy substance exuded by certain trees and shrubs growing in eastern Africa and Arabia, and has been used historically for its antiseptic, astringent, carminative, and stomachic properties.

Myrrh Gum's three great actions are on digestion, infection, and vaginitis. Myrrh gum is antiseptic to mucous membranes, and, curiously, both inhibits oversecretion and dis-inhibits undersecretion of these tissues. Thus, it normalizes mucous membrane activity.

Myrrh Gum acts directly and rapidly on the peptic glands to increase activity, and in this way increases digestion. In cases of dyspepsia accompanied by excess mucous formation, Myrrh is highly recommended by today's herbalists.

The anti-infectious nature of Myrrh plays an active role in many of today's herbal formulations. The bacteriostatic and antiseptic properties of the herb have been experimentally verified in both America and China.

And finally, Myrrh Gum is known to contain many volatile oils which make the herb ideally suited for promoting free breathing during congestive colds, and for clearing out mucous-clogging passages in the body. It increases circulation by stimulating capillary activity, restores tone and normal secretion, can increase digestion, help promotes the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, increase the number of white blood cells, and through all of these means is helpful in supporting feverish symptoms like cold skin, weak pulse, and so on.

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for sores in the mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, coughs, asthma, and other chest problems. It can also be taken internally for bad breath, for loose teeth, and for weak gums. Its disinfectant properties make Myrrh suitable as a wash for sore s or wounds, and also as a douche. Add myrrh powder to the sore or wound after washing for continued disinfectant activity.

Modern laboratory studies confirm what traditional herbalists have known for thousands of years; myrrh contains molecules that can support muscles and joint pain, can help support stomach upset and diarrhea illness. Whether myrrh is better or worse than more traditional health is not known - there have never been any clinical trials. The idea of using myrrh gargle to help support throat pain seems sensible enough, and would certainly be associated with minimal risk. After all, this particular supportive has been in use for several thousand years and the first report of serious toxicity has yet to be published. Applying myrrh, or myrrh-containing solutions to aching joints, alone or in combination with other herbs, may also be a reasonable thing to do, but usefulness has never been validated in a clinical trial, and long term use is definitely associated with an increased risk of developing contact dermatitis.

Dosage: 1-15 grains of the powder; in formulas, 3-12 grams.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.

TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.

TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.

TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.

Bianca Rosa is an exclusive line of premium-quality natural products sourced from only the finest and purest ingredients from around the world. Bianca Rosa is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, stability and freshness. All Bianca Rosa products are prepared with the highest level of quality control, from the raw materials used through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the finished product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you. Our highest possible standards backed by our personal guarantee.

Bianca Rosa makes all products as affordable as possible and we are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you. Bianca Rosa has been a trusted household name for many families throughout the world since the 1990s. Bianca Rosa is packed in tamper-proof, recyclable containers.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of all Bianca Rosa products, including creams, salves and oils in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.

TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.

TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.

TerraVita is packed in tamper-proof, food-grade, recyclable containers.

ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to 1-844-449-0444.