Botanical Name Commiphora myrrha
Plant Part Resin
Extraction Method Steam
Origin Africa
Description Though classified as shrubs, Myrrh can grow up to 10 Meters in height. The trunk exudes a natural oleoresin that hardens into what is classified as reddish brown “Tears”. Native collectors make incisions into the trees in order to increase the yield.
Color Dark Brown
Common Uses Myrrh is thought to enhance spirituality. Aromatherapists use it as an aid in meditation or before healing. It’s actions are characterized as the following antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent and healing, tonic and stimulant, carminative, stomachic, anticatarrhal, expectorant, diaphoretic, vulnerary, locally antiseptic, immune stimulant, bitter, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.
Strength of Aroma Medium
Blends well with Frankincense, Lavender (All), Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose (All), Rosewood, Sandalwood (All), Tea Tree, Thyme (All).
Aromatic Scent Myrrh essential oil has a warm, rich, spicy balsamic odour.
History Myrrh has been used for centuries as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, and for embalming and fumigations in Ancient Egypt. In folk tradition it was used for muscular pains and in rheumatic plasters. Called mo yao in China, it has been used since at least 600B.C. primarily as a wound herb and blood stimulant. Gerard said of Myrrh‘ the marvelous effects that it worked in new and green wounds were here too long to set down...’ Myrrh oil, distilled from the resin, has been used since ancient Greek times to heal wounds.
Cautions Myrrh can be possibly toxic in high concentrations, and should not be used during pregnancy.