Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) derives its name from the Arabic murr meaning bitter; its origins are native to north-east Africa, in particular the Red Sea area, and to south-west Asia. Myrrh has a number of biblical references, indicating its use and considered value at that time, and it was one of the gifts the three Wise Men brought to honor the baby Jesus.
Ancient Use of Myrrh
Myrrh was used as a perfume, incense and medicine by the ancient civilizations; in fact, it was thought to be one of the best perfumes in ancient Egypt. Mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus of ancient Egyptian aromatic recipes and medicinal prescriptions, myrrh was used by the Arabs to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles and cracked skin.
Myrrh was also used for embalming and religious ceremonies and was considered to be one of the most sacred ancient oils. The ancient Greeks saw the value of myrrh as a healing aid for wounds, and it is said that every Greek soldier had myrrh in his pouch when leaving for war.
Myrrh receives a mention in herbalist Hildegarde of Bingen's compilation of German medicines, Hildegarde's Medicine, in early 12th Century. The Chinese have used myrrh for many years for use in treatment of hemorrhoids, menstrual problems and arthritis; myrrh is still current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for gingivitis and mouth ulcers.
Extraction of Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh essential oil is derived from the steam distillation of crude myrrh, a resin which is produced by a small, spiny tree or shrub with knotted branches; a member of the same Burseraceae botanical plant family as Frankincense (Boswellia carteri), myrrh and frankincense essential oils have similar therapeutic properties in aromatherapy use.
The resin of myrrh is naturally found in the cracks of the tree, which sets in brown-red lumps. According to legend, goats used to rub against the trees and the shepherds who tended them collected the resin which had stuck to the goats' hair; today, the collection of the resin is from man made cuts in the tree or by cultivation of trees.
The Properties of Myrrh Oil
Myrrh essential oil is ant-inflammatory, a tonic, a stimulant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, sedative and anti-microbial. It is used in skin care to treat Athlete's foot, eczema, wrinkles, cracked skin and wounds; myrrh oil is also used to help arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, gum infections, coughs and sore throats. It is also helpful in the treatment of diarrhea, colds and flatulence.
Myrrh can also be found in mouthwashes and toothpaste and is used in dentistry. It is popular for use in perfumes, cosmetics and soaps and is found as a flavoring agent in drinks and food. In addition, myrrh can be used in the treatment of thrush by means of a douche.
References:
Davis, Patricia 1999 Aromatherapy An A-Z UK: Vermilion
Essential Science Publishing 2007 Essential Oils Desk Reference USA: Essential Science
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
