Myrrh
Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Synonym: Nil
Botanical Family: Burseraceae
Country of Origin: North Africa, Asia, Somalia, Middle East
Plant Part: Resin from stem & shoots
Extraction Method: Distillation
Characteristics: warm, rich, spicy, gum like
Properties:
Antiseptic, antimicrobe, antiphlogistic, astringent, balsamic, deodorant, carminative, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicide, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, uterine, vulneraryChemical Constituents:
Myrrholic, cinnamic, cuminic, eugenol, cadinene, pinene, dipentene, heerabolene, limonene
Indications:
Mind & Spirit:
- Relieves stress
- Grounding, warming
- Lifts feelings of apathy and lack of motivation.
Body:
- Excellent for healing skin, sores, weeping wounds and eczema
- Great for mature skin as an anti-wrinkle
- Relieves poor circulation, arthritis and chest or nasal congestion
- Treats mouth ulcers, gingivitis, bad breath and spongy gums
- Treats bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, pharyngitis, catarrh and glandula fever.
Contraindications: Nil – best avoided during pregnancy
Note: Base
Odour Intensity: Un-referred
Blends well with: Clove, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, sandalwood
Traditions:
Myrrh was much prized by the ancient civilisations. It was used for incense, embalming, perfume, religious ceremonies and medicinally to treat wounds and chest complaints. Was also one of the gifts given to the infant Jesus. The Egyptians combined it with Coriander and Honey as an ointment to treat herpes. They also burned it as part of their sun-worshipping ritual at noon every day.