Myrrh
Parts Usually Used
The gum resin, powdered gum
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Myrrh is the aromatic, gummy substance exuded by certain trees and shrubs growing in eastern Africa and Arabia. It can also be found in herb dealer’s stock.
Where Found
Africa and Arabia
Medicinal Properties
Alterative, analgesic, antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, antispasmodic, disinfectant, immune stimulant, circulatory stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary
Biochemical Information
An essential oil, resins and gums
Legends, Myths and Stories
Myrrh was one of the precious spices brought to our Lord Jesus when he was born. One of the earliest records of man’s use of myrrh is found in an Egyptian papyrus dated about 2000 BC. Ancient Egyptian women rid their homes of fleas with myrrh pellets. Myrrh was the main ingredient for the very ancient Egyptian Kyphi incense. Moses was instructed by God to use myrrh as one of the main ingredients in a holy oil for anointing the priests (Exodus 30:22-33).
Frankincense and myrrh were the two substances that formed the bases of incense Moses fixed for Jewish ceremonial rites. There are many references in the Bible to myrrh, perhaps the most interesting biblical passages about myrrh are found in the Song of Solomon, where myrrh is compared to the joys of sexual love (Song of Solomon 1:13 and 4:6). ” St. Matthew 2:11 The name myrrh is derived from the Arabic word mur meaning “bitter”, referring to the spice’s bitter taste.
A legendary account of the origin of myrrh is found in a Syrian myth, which was later adopted by the Greeks. According to this legend, Myrrha, the daughter of the King of Syria, Thesis, refused to worship Aphrodite and was cruelly punished by the goddess, who caused her to commit incest with her father. With the help of her nurse, Myrrha disguised herself and deceived her father for eleven nights, but on the twelfth night Thesis realized who she was.
Furious at her, he threatened to kill Myrrha and began chasing her with a knife. To save her, the gods transformed her into a myrrh tree. The clear gum resin exuded by the tree is said to represent Myrrha’s tears. From remote antiquity, this gum-resin has been used since the Tang Dynasty (AD 600) in Oriental medicines, perfumes, incense, precious ointments, and sacred oils. Originally imported from Persia, it is now produced to some extent in southern China.
Uses
Historically, herbalists associated the uses of myrrh with those of frankincense, frequently combining the two resins in incense and liniments. Traditional practitioners believed the resin stimulated circulation and the heart, and they utilized it for menstrual irregularities, menopausal complaints, obesity, and diabetes. In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners frequently administered myrrh for rheumatism, arthritis, and circulatory disorders.
Herbal traditions also incorporated myrrh into washes, gargles, and mouthwashes aimed at soothing mouth sores, throat discomfort, irritated gums, bad breath, loose teeth, coughs, colds, asthma, anemia, and digestive complaints. Formulations combining myrrh with other herbs, such as echinacea, mullein, goldenseal, or cayenne, were prepared as oils or topical liniments intended for bruises, aches, sprains, bedsores, piles, and old ulcers.
Powdered or tincture forms were historically applied to cold sores and minor wounds, or used to address long-standing sinus complaints. Since ancient times, the fragrant gum resin was also widely employed in incense, cosmetics, perfumes, fumigation, and embalming practices.
How Sold
Capsules Tincture Powder
Warning
Any resins tend to be difficult to eliminate and can cause minor damage to the kidneys if taken internally over an extended period. Very high doses, taken over a long period of time can be dangerous. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use if pregnant or have kidney disease without first checking with the doctor. Myrrh is a uterine stimulant.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973 Chinese Medicinal Herbs , compiled by Shih-Chen Li, Georgetown Press, San Francisco, California, 1973.
, West Nyack, NY, 1987. , Special Sale Catalog, 1996 The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974