Myrrh as an Herb

(Commiphora myrrha)

Several species of Myrrh are recognized in commerce. It is usually imported in chests and wherever produced comes chiefly from the East Indies.

Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc., in the holy oil of the Jews and the Kyphi of the Egyptians for embalming and fumigations. The liquid Myrrh, or Stacte, an ingredient of Jewish holy incense, was formerly obtainable and greatly valued, but cannot now be identified.

Little appears to be definitely known about the collection of myrrh. The best comes to Europe and the worst is sent to China. The true myrrh is known in the markets as karam, formerly called Turkey myrrh.

Medicinal Uses for Myrrh

Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic, being a remedy second only to echinacea. It is a strong cleaning and healing agent, soothing the body and speeding the healing process. It is often used with goldenseal.

Myrrh is also used in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes to fight and prevent gum disease.

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat digestive upsets, and is diluted to use as an antiseptic mouthwash or gargle.

Myrrh is used in the East Indies in leprosy, rheumatism and syphilis, and in Europe for plasters.

Cautions

Pregnant women should not use myrrh oil.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.