Myrrh Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Resin
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Hot, smoky, herbaceous, woody, dry
Largest Producing Countries: Somalia, Yemen, and Ethiopia
Traditional Use: Used in pharmaceutical products, including mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpaste; also used in dentistry. Extensively used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially oriental types and heavy florals.
Properties: Anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, pectoral, sedative, stimulant (especially pulmonary), stomachic, tonic, uterine, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, calms sexual excitement, catarrh, chlorosis, colds, cough, cracked heels, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, flatulence, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroid, laryngitis, leucorrhea, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, pruritis, pyorrhea, ringworm, sore throat, stomatitis, thrush, treats uterine disorders, tuberculosis, ulcers, voice loss, wasting degenerative disease, wounds, and wrinkles.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, chamomile roman, clove, cypress, eucalyptus citriodora, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mimosa, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, and ylang ylang.
Of Interest: Was a revered funeral herb, burnt as an incense to honor the dead. It was said to come from the tears of Horus, the flacon-headed sun god. Not only was myrrh present at the birth of Christ – as one of the Magi’s three gifts – but at his death as well. Thought to have been one of the materials used by the Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon.
Safety Data: Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, possibly toxic in high concentration. Its use while pregnant is not recommended. Not for internal use.