Myrrh has been used by many cultures as medicine for healing and as incense or oil for religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It was mentioned in the Bible as a gift at the birth of Christ. In some ancient times, it ever had equal value as gold.
Myrrh grows natively in Somalia and eastern Ethiopia. It is the dried oleo gum resin of Commiphora species of trees. The word myrrh comes from the Hebrew murr or maror, which means “bitter”.
Myrrh has extremely high antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Myrrh can help decrease swelling (inflammation) and kill bacteria. It can be used to clean wounds and to prevent infection. It can also used to prevent the spread of gangrene in infected wounds. With these properties, Myrrh in ancient times was an essential supply of soldiers’ combat gear.
In Chinese traditional medicine, myrrh is said to have “blood-moving” powers. It works on the heart, liver, and spleen meridians. It is used for rheumatic, arthritic, and circulatory problems, and for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, and uterine tumors. Myrrh is often combined with frankincense in decoctions for treatment of bone fracture, arthritis, wounds, injuries, and bleeding. Myrrh can be used in liniment for bruises, aches, and sprains. Chinese traditional doctors use myrrh to treat impact injury, incised wounds, sinew and bone pain.
Myrrh can be used both internally and externally. Today, people use myrrh essential oil as one of natural remedies. Myrrh Oil can be found in a supplement store. Raw myrrh resin could be found in an herbal store.
Please note: women should avoid use myrrh during pregnancy, because myrrh can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage.
