Myrrh Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh trees, native to northern India and North Africa, grow up to 10 meters in height, have sturdy, knotted branches, trifoliate aromatic leaves and produce small white flowers. The trunk exudes a natural oleoresin when pierced, and the pale yellow liquid hardens into reddish-brown droplets known as Myrrh. Only a certain amount of the resin is taken from each tree to ensure their continued health.

The oil is a pale yellowish amber, oily liquid distilled (using carbon dioxide) from the resin of Myrrh trees wild grown in Ethiopia.This supercritical CO2 distillation of Myrrh results in a warm, sweet floral top note, a slightly medicinal and herbaceous middle note and balsamic, slightly spicy undertones.One of the first aromatic substances valued on a purely sensual level, Myrrh's first medicinal use was documented some 3,700 years ago. Its extraction from the solitary tree in the desert represents strength in harsh conditions. In China it was used for treatment of arthritis, menstrual problems, wounds and hemorrhoids. In Western medicine, it began as a cure for asthma, coughs, colds, sore throat, sore gums, toothaches and mouth ulcers.

Anticarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiphlogistic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminitive, Cictrisant, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Fungicidal, Sedative, Stimulant (digestive and pulmonary), Stomachic, Tonic, Vulnerary. (See Definitions.)

Myrrh essential oil is highly prized for both its healing and spiritual abilities; it has one of the highest sesquiterpene contents. Sesquiterpene is a compound that can directly affect the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala.

Psycho-Spiritual:

• Effective meditation and yoga aid
• Uplifting and opening
• Instills a deep tranquility of the mind
• A bridge between heaven and earth, connecting all the chakras
• Allows manifestation of dreams into the earthly realm

Respiratory System:

• Loosens phlegm and clears blocked or congested lungs, chest, and nasal passages

Nervous System:

• Gentle and calming

Anti-infectious:

• One of the best treatments for mouth ulcers.

Digestive System:

• Cures diarrhea and dyspepsia and flatulence
• Stimulates appetite

Hormonal:

• Balances the symptoms of amenorrhea and leucorrhea
• Can induce uterine contractions (therefore should NOT be used by pregnant women).

Dermatological:

• Beneficial for athlete's foot
• Clears and promotes healing with wounds or acne

Topical:

• Massage blends, compresses and ointments can be made using Myrrh. Used neat, solo or in combination (with Sandalwood and Frankincense), Myrrh can anoint the 'third eye' as a meditation or yoga aid.

Inhalation:

• Use a few drops in a nebulizing (non-heating) diffuser, vaporizer or humidifier.

Ingestion:

• 1-3 drops in water daily as a temporary treatment aid.

Myrrh essential oil is a non-toxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant. Many physicians in ancient medicine considered it an abortifacient, and even though this has not been proven true, it is strongly recommended that it not be used during pregnancy.