The benefits of mirrh
THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF MYRRH
IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
by Rebecca Joy Knottnerus
HISTORY OF MYRRHThrough the time span of its rich history and usage, myrrh’s fragrant and alluring aroma has been an inspiration to writers, poets, aristocrats, merchants, priests and civilizations, and has held an esteemed position in many cultures as an effective medicinal herb. The name myrrh comes from the Arabic word morr which means “bitter.”
In fifth century B.C., Herodotus noted that the Egyptians used myrrh as an embalming agent. Egyptian women also burned myrrh pellets to rid their homes of fleas as well as to mask the stench of the day due to lack of proper hygiene and sanitary conditions (Innvista).
During the time of Christ, myrrh was one of the most highly valued commodities in trade and was cherished as a precious oil (ABC). It was used by the Hebrew people to anoint the altar and sacred vessels of the Jewish Temple, and was one of the three gifts given by the Wise Men to Jesus Christ when they paid Him tribute (Christopher, SNH 505). Myrrh was used in a purification procedure used to beautify the women who were presented before King Ahasurerus of the Medes and Persians when he was choosing a queen. This is mentioned in Esther 2:12, “…for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women”(Rainbow Study Bible 636-637).
Myrrh has a long history of therapeutic and medicinal use in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. In this system of medicine, it is currently used internally to treat mouth ulcers, gingivitis, pharyngitis, respiratory conditions, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), several female complaints, and topically for ulcers and gum conditions. Sometime during the seventh century A.D., it was introduced into the Chinese and Tibetan systems of medicine. The Gyu-zhi, or Four Tantras, by Chandranandana, was the earliest Indian medical text to be translated into Tibetan during the eighth century A.D.(ABC). The Chinese call myrrh, mo yao and have used it in Chinese medicine as a wound healer since before the time of the Tang Dynasty (Innvista). In this form of medicine myrrh has been used to treat impact injury, incised wounds, hard to heal wounds, sinew and bone pain, menstrual blockages, and hemorrhoids, as well as pain and stiffness, swelling, bruising, blood stagnation and as a dissolvent for masses and fibroids (ABC)(About).
Myrrh was among the 65 herbs that Samuel Thomson used regularly in his herbal practice. Samuel Thomson was a self-taught American herbalist, who brought an herbal revolution to the United States that angered doctors of his day. Time after time he proved that herbs could be more effective than medicines such as mercury that were being used in the late 1700’s. He was particularly fond of myrrh’s antiseptic and cleansing properties (Griggs 161). Dr. John R. Christopher, was a Naturopath and Herbalist who practiced and taught herbology in the mid-1900’s during a time when herbs were scorned by the medical profession at large. The School of Natural Healing, was one of the legacies Dr. Christopher left behind that contains much of his herbal knowledge and experience. In this book, he says, “Myrrh stimulates the flow of blood to the capillaries and gives a warm and pleasant sensation of the stomach. It increases the number of white blood corpuscles up to four times of the original, when there is a need for fighting infection, and quickens the heart action. It enhances the eliminative function of the mucous membranes in the bronchi and genito-urinary tract, at the same time disinfecting those tissues and reducing mucus discharge from those specific areas.” Dr. Christopher also included instruction on how to use myrrh various applications. He gave preparations for sore throats, ulceration of the mouth, tongue or throat, chronic diarrhea, skin conditions, bronchitis, bad breath, colic, flatulence, hemorrhoids, diphtheria, shock, congestion, rheumatism, sprains, bruises, and as a treatment for worms (500-504).
Myrrh gum resin and myrrh tincture are both recognized as official in the German Pharmacopeia, and approved in the Commission E monographs. The tincture form is official in the Standard License monographs where it is used as a component of many dental remedies, mouthwashes, ointments, herbal paints (an herbal preparation “painted” on the skin), and coated tablets. Bed sores, gingivitis, stomatitis, infant oral Canadensis (thrush), and relief of prosthesis pressure marks are some of the ways these preparations are applied. Myrrh was formerly official in the United States Pharmecopia and National Formulary. In these books, it was indicated as an aromatic, astringent mouthwash. The British Herbal Compendium indicates use of this aromatic herb as a gargle to treat pharyngitis, tonsillitis and as a mouthwash for gingivitis and ulcers. Its use is also suggested externally for sinusitis and minor skin inflammations. In France, topical use of myrrh is approved for the treatment of nasal congestion from the common cold, small wounds and as an anodyne to treat infections of the buccal cavity (cavity between the jaws and cheeks), and the oropharnyx (part of the throat at the back of the neck, including the back of the tongue, the soft palate and tonsils). It is also noted in the Pharmacopia of Austria, and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as an antiseptic (ABC)
LOCATION OF MYRRH
Commiphora myrrha or C. molmol, is part of the Burseraceae family. Members of this family are angiosperm trees or shrubs that are resinous, aromatic and bear essential oils in their barks. They reproduce by pollination and have small flowers that produce small fleshy or non-fleshy fruit. Plants in this family are typically sub-tropic or tropical (Watson and Dallwitz). They are found in Africa, Asia and a few other countries (GRIN). In the U.S. a few species are found in California, New Mexico, and Florida as well as in two U.S. territories, Porto Rica and the Virgin Islands (BONAP).
The species Commiphora myrrha, is indigenous to the following eastern Mediterranean countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, and South Arabia (Innvista)(GRIN). Myrrh is a spiny, deciduous bush tree that grows up to 15 feet tall. The myrrh plant is sturdily built, with knotted branches and branchlets, that stand out at right-angles and end in points. In May and June this plant produces yellow-red flowers that yield pointed fruits. In M. Grieve’s, A Modern Herbal, the author explains how the resin of myrrh is produced. “There are ducts in the bark, and the tissue between them breaks down, forming large cavities, which, with the remaining ducts, becomes filled with a granular secretion which is freely discharged when the bark is wounded or from natural fissures. It flows as a reddish-brown mass, being found in commerce in tears of many sizes, the average being that of a walnut. The surface is rough and brittle, with a granular fracture, semi-transparent, oily and often shows whitish marks. The odor and taste are aromatic, the latter also acrid and bitter” (571-572). This resin is collected from June to August and sold after the different sizes and different qualities are sorted (Innvista). In his book The Honest Herbal, the author says, “The different commercial varieties are named according to their source, for example, Somali Myrrh and Arabian Myrrh” (Tyler 221). Kathi Keville and Mindy Green sum up the plant’s appearance very well. “This small, scrubby tree from the Middle East and northeast Africa isn’t very handsome, but it makes up for its lackluster looks with the precious gum it exudes….” (Aromatherapy).
Most of the myrrh gum available commercially comes from Arabia and Somalia. Indian myrrh is called false myrrh and is a different variety called Commiphora mukul. Meetiga is the trade-name of Arabian myrrh and according to M. Grieve, is more brittle and gummy without any of the white markings of the Somalian myrrh. Pliny mentions a liquid myrrh in his ancient writings called Stacte, which was an ingredient of the Jewish holy incense and highly valued. Somehow though, through the centuries, this form of myrrh can no longer be identified and is presently lost to the knowledge of man. Possibly the myrrh we know and use today is not the myrrh of the Bible. Some think that Mecca balsam, or C. Opobalsamum, a relative of myrrh, called mar in the Hebrew language, might have been confused with the modern Arabic morr which is translated myrrh (A Modern Herbal Vol. II 571-572). British myrrh, Myrrhis odorata is often confused with Commiphora myrrha, even though it is from the Unbelliferae family and completely unrelated (Innvista).
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF MYRRH
Many of the chemical constituents found in myrrh are currently being studied for their activities on various conditions and diseases. Research on myrrh is just showing that those before us had wisdom in the area of medicine long before we give them credit. Myrrh has several main constituents. These are from about 9 to17% volatile oil, 20 to 40% alcohol-soluble resin, and approximately 30 to 60% water-soluble gum (ABC).
The volatile oil contains heerabolene, acadinene, elemol, eugenol, cuminaldehyde, numerous furanosesquiterpenes including furanodiene, furanodienone, curzerenone, lindestrene, 2-methoxyfuranodiene, and 3-epi-alpha-amyrin and a few other compounds (Hoffmann)(Chromadex). Myrrh is also credited to have myrcene and a-camphorene, as well as a few steroids including Z-guggulsterol, and I, II, III guggulsterol. Herbs that contain volatile oils are aromatic and tend to be antimicrobial and disperse congestion (McDonald). Steroids found in plants are known as sterols and resemble human steroids in structure. Modern clinical studies have shown that they play a role as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents (Singh and Sanhu).
The resin in myrrh is made up of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-commiphoric acids, heeraboresene, alpha-, and beta-heerabomyrrhols and commiferin (Hoffmann). Resins are a diverse group of chemical compounds that share chemical characteristics such as insolubility in water, solubility at room temperature, and lack of a nitrogen group. “Resin compounds formed with sugar are called glycoresins; those formed with oils are called oleoresins” (Isnar). According to the UCLA Biomedical Library, resin does not decay and is found to be bacteriostatic (Darling). Resins are soluble in alcohol or ethanol which is why myrrh is often prepared as a tincture.
The water soluble gum or mucilage content in myrrh is about 30 to 60%. It is “…composed mainly of acidic polysaccharide with galactose, 4-O-methyl-glucuronicacid, and arabinose in a ratio of 8:7:2, with approximately 18 to 20% proteins” (ABC). “Mucilage is a thick, glutinous substance related to the natural gums, comprised usually of protein, polysaccharides, and uranides. It swells but does not dissolve in water” (Columbian Electronic Encyclopedia). Mucilage is often used in emollient or demulcent preparations. This could account for the many uses of myrrh in cosmetic and beautifying preparations that have been used in centuries past as well as the preparations on the market today.
Myrrh also contains ash, salts, sulphates, benzoates, malates, acetates of potassium, formic acid, acetic acid and many more constituents (Chem). Tannins are also found in myrrh. “Several actions have been attributed to tannins including antidysenteric, antimutagenic, antimephritic, antioxidant, antiviral, bactericide, cancer-preventative, hepatoprotective, pesticide, psychotropic, and viricide properties”(Ultimate Water Massage).
According to the PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition, some of the chief components in myrrh are sesquiterpenes (535). Sesquiterpenes are a large family of C15 -isoprenoid molecules found in plants, microbes, and some marine organisms. Isoprenoids also called terpenoids, are “…unsaturated hydrocarbons found in essential oils and oleoresins of plants…”(American Heritage Dictionary). They are hydrocarbons with 15 carbon atoms and are naturally occurring alcohols that very rarely exist as volatile oils. When distilled from plants, these bitter constituents stimulate the glands and the liver, and have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-allergen, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties (Natural Healthcare)(Hobbs). The Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, found that the gum exudates of Commiphora myrrha contain six sesquiterpenes including two new furanosesquiterpenes. One of the latter exhibited cytotoxic activity (destroys specific cells) against a MCF-7 breast tumor cell line (Zhu et al 1460-1462). Myrrh oil “…has one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes, a class of compounds that has direct effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdale, the seat of our emotions” (Essential Oils Desk Reference).
MEDICINAL QUALITIES OF MYRRH
Traditionally, myrrh has been used orally to treat arthritis, digestive complaints, painful menstruation, respiratory infections, leprosy, syphilis, cancers, sore throats, asthma, coughs, and bad breath. Topically, myrrh has been used to treat muscular pains, arthritis, ulcers, sores, wounds, weak gums, loose teeth, bacterial and fungal skin infections and acne (Innvista)(E Drug Digest). Myrrh has often been mixed with golden seal powder and sprinkled on the umbilical chord stumps of newborn babies. This application is still used today. It has also been used in tincture form to treat abscesses (Christopher and Gileadi 68, 158). Traditional Chinese use of myrrh includes treatment for many of these conditions as well as for pain and stiffness, swelling, bruising, blood stagnation, and as a dissolvent for masses and fibroids (ABC). In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is used as a blood cleanser and for improving the intellect (Innvista).
Today, use of myrrh is very similar although scientists are discovering a few of the reasons why myrrh works as it does. Myrrh is thought to stimulate the production of white blood cells, making it a possible treatment of conditions where an antimicrobial agent is needed. One source suggests using myrrh as a specific treatment for “infections in the mouth such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis, pyorrhea, as well as the catarrhal problems of pharyngitis and sinusitis. Myrrh may also help with laryngitis and respiratory complaints. Systemically, it is of value in the treatment of boils and similar conditions as well as glandular fever and brucellosis (a widespread infectious febrile disease affecting cattle, swine, and goats and sometimes man). It is often used as part of an approach to the treatment of the common cold. Externally it is healing to the skin and an antiseptic for wounds and abrasions (Hoffmann). Commission E, a body of scientists that set standards for herbal usage in Germany, has endorsed the use of powdered myrrh as a treatment for mild inflammations of the mouth and throat due to myrrh’s tannin content
(Duke 141).
In a letter to the journal Nature, researchers from the University of Florence gave a report on their study of myrrh as an analgesic. They tested its effect on mice that had been set on a hot metal plate to see if their level of pain tolerance increased. Their findings showed that myrrh did have an analgesic affect on the mice. The researchers also isolated three sesquiterpenes from myrrh and tested them on the mice. These sesquiterpenes were: furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzarene and furanodiene. They found that furanodiene was not effective, but that furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzarene increased the amount of pain tolerance in the mice. Further testing done by these researchers “…suggested that furanoeudesma-1,3-diene may affect opioid receptors in brain membranes, which influence the perception of pain” (Herbalgram). Another research group came up with similar results. In this study, researchers found that when a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight of the petroleum extract of the oleo-gum resin of Commiphora molmol was given, carrageenan induced inflammation was significantly reduced. The extract also showed significant antipyretic activity in mice (Tariq M. et al. 381-382).
Research shows that a group of compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, show strong antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus (involved with myriad infections, internal and external), Candida albicans (commonly responsible for yeast infections), and pathogenic strains of E. coli (often involved with food poisoning and diarrhea) (Upton). In an issue of Planta Medica, myrrh was studied for its anesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. The researchers reported that after extracting and purifying eight sesquiterpenes from Commiphora molmol, they found that a “mixture of furanodiene-6-one and methoxyfuranoguaia-9ene-8-one showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against standard pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans…” “These compounds also had local anesthetic activity, blocking the inward sodium current of excitable mammalian membranes”(Dolara et al. 356-358).
The Department of Pharmacology in Saudi Arabia reported research which showed that pretreatment with myrrh oleo-gum resin before introducing 80% ethanol, indomethacin, or a mixture of both into the stomach, provided dose-dependent protection against ulcergenic effects. It also protected against depletion of stomach wall mucus, reduction in protein and nucleic acid concentrations and protected against histopathological lesions on the stomach wall lining including necrosis, erosion, congestion, and hemorrhage. The researchers attribute these affects to myrrh’s free radical-scavenging, thyroid-stimulating and prostaglandin-inducing properties
(al-Harbi et al., Anti-ulcer 141-150).
Out of six indigenous African plants studied to prevent thrombosis in mice, myrrh exhibited the strongest antithrombotic activity. The other plants screened in this study were Azadiractha indica, Bridelia ferruginea, Garcinia kola, and Curcuma longa (Olajide 231-232).
Myrrh and aloe gums were shown to effectively increase glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic rats in a study done with plants that Kuwaiti diabetics use (A-Awadi and Fumaa 37-41).
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection of a type of blood fluke that is widespread over Asia, Africa and tropical America. Currently, treatment of schistosomiasis is chemotherapy with the drug praziquantel. Resistance to this drug has now been seen, so researchers are considering alternative drugs. A study was done on 204 patients infected with the disease. All but twelve of the cases had previously been treated with praziquantel. Four of the twelve were unable to undergo the praziquantel treatment due to vomiting immediately after ingesting the drug. Two different types of parasites were found in these cases, S. haematobium and S. mansoni. Some of the patients were infected with one type of parasite and some had both. Myrrh was given at 10 mg/kg body weight for three days to all the patients, with a cure rate of 91.7%. In the twelve cases that had received no prior chemotherapy treatment, the cure was 100% effective. Re-treatment with the same dose was given to the cases that did not respond from the first treatment with a cure rate of 76.5%, increasing the overall cure rate to 98.09%. The treatment was tolerated well with only mild side effects reported in 11.8% of the cases of which giddiness, somnolence, or mild fatigue were the most common. Twenty healthy patients were also given the same treatment simultaneously with no reported side affects (Sheir et al. 700-704). Another study done at the Cairo University, Egypt, in 2004 consisted of 1019 individuals infected with the same two parasites as the above study, S. haematobium and S. mansoni. In this pilot study, Mirazid, a drug completely derived from myrrh consisting of 8 parts resin and 3.5 parts volatile oils, was given to all the patients. The dosage was 2 capsules of 600 mg given on an empty stomach an hour before breakfast for six days. Upon examination three months after the treatment, it was found that Mirazid was 97.4% effective on S. haematobium and 96.2% effective on S. mansoni with no reported side effects. Those that did not respond showed a marked reduction of egg intensity. The researches concluded that Mirazid was a safe and effective treatment (Abo-Madyan, Morsy and Motawea 423-426).
A similar problem today especially in Egypt, is the infection of fascioliasis, a liver fluke which infects sheep, goats and cattle. Humans can become infected by this parasite through eating contaminated meat. Researchers at Cairo University, Egypt, studied myrrh’s effect on seven patients infected with this disease. The drug extract Mirazid was given to all the cases in doses of 12 mg/kg body weight per day, for six consecutive days. The patients showed a dramatic drop in fecal egg count at the end of three weeks and had a complete cure with no sign of eggs three months after treatment. The researchers that piloted this study feel that although their study was done on a small scale, they were able to prove that myrrh was an effective treatment for this disorder (Massoud et al. 96-99).
Another study was done on the efficacy of myrrh on the larvae of S. littoralis, the cotton leafworm. The results showed that although myrrh is not as effective as the chemical insecticides on the market today, it was effective in killing many of the larvae and when added to the chemical insecticides, it increased their effectiveness (Shonouda, Farrag and Salama 347-356).
Exciting new research on myrrh has been published in the last couple years, supporting ancient use of myrrh as a cancer cure. Co-researcher, Mohamed M. Rafi, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Rafi and his colleagues believe myrrh works by inactivating a protein called Bcl-2 which is overproduced by cancer cells found particularly in breast and prostate cancers. This action in myrrh may be due to the high number of sesquiterpenes myrrh contains. Rafi reports, “The myrrh compound definitely appears to be unique in this way; it is working where other compounds have failed.” “It’s a very exciting discovery,” says Rafi, “I’m optimistic that this compound can be developed into an anticancer drug.” In his laboratory research he also found that the myrrh compound inactivated MCF-7, a protein found in many breast tumor cells that has been resistant to traditional treatment. Although myrrh is estimated to be 100 times less potent as other anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel, vinblastine and vincristine, it seems to be able to kill cancer cells without killing healthy cells, something the other treatments aren’t able to accomplish. It also doesn’t build up resistance as the other drugs do. Rafi says, “This is very exciting news; the fact that something that is so safe…can actually kill cancer cells - this could be the basis for a very important new treatment.” Skeptics are cautious however, and Rafi warns, “The research is still much too new to make any recommendations of any kind about myrrh supplements.” Mohamed Rafi’s studies were published in the Nov. 26, 2001 issue of the Journal of Natural Products (Rutger’s News)(Bouchez). Earlier, in 1994 another study showed the anti-carcinogenic potential of Commiphora molmol. The study took mice that had Ehrlich-solid-tumors and evaluated the total count and viability of the tumors before and after 25 and 50 days of treatment. 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight per day was given to the mice. The anti-tumor potential of myrrh was found to be comparable to the standard cytotoxic drug cyclophosphamide (al-Harbi et al., Anticarcinogenic 337-347).
“Myrrh oil may help asthma, athlete’s foot, Candida, coughs, eczema, digestion, fungal infection, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, ringworm, sore throats, skin conditions (chapped and cracked), wounds and wrinkles.” It is also indicated for use in “…bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hypothyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers, vaginal thrush and viral hepatitis” (Essential Oils Desk Reference). A study done by the Dental Research Center at the College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee, determined that myrrh oil has cytotoxic activity on human gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells (Tipton et al. 337-347)
CONTRA-INDICATIONS OF MYRRH
Myrrh is generally a safe herb with a long history of usage. Currently, myrrh is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for food use (21 Code of Federal Registration-CFR 172.510) and as a flavoring agent, fragrance, and stabilizing ingredient in beverages, cosmetics, drugs and foods. It has also been given the generally recognized as safe status (GRAS) as flavor ingredient No. 2765, by (FEMA), the Flavor Extract Manufacturer’s Association (Massoud et al. 96-99)(E Drug Digest). As with any herb, however, when myrrh is used as a medicine, it must be treated with respect. There are a few minor contraindications that consumers of myrrh should be aware of.
If taken orally, myrrh has been shown to tighten the muscles of the uterus and promote menstrual blood flow in women. It should not be taken orally therefore, by pregnant women. The effect of topical usage of myrrh on an unborn baby has not been studied and so the use of myrrh as a mouthwash is not recommended for pregnant women (E Drug Digest).
Large amounts of myrrh (2,000 mg to 4,000 mg) taken by mouth, may cause heart rate changes, diarrhea, or kidney irritation. Evidence from animal and human case studies has also shown that myrrh may lower blood sugar levels. Persons with diabetes or heart conditions should consult their physicians before self-medicating with myrrh (E Drug Digest). Another source suggests myrrh should be avoided when someone has conditions related to gastric heat, internal inflammation, excessive uterine bleeding, high blood pressure, and excitability (About).
Possible skin irritation, an allergic rash, or temporary burning or change in the sense of feeling may be caused from undiluted topical application of myrrh. Interactions with drugs, foods or other herbal products have not been reported from topical application of myrrh including the use of myrrh as a mouthwash (E Drug Digest)(Heilpflazen).
One study done at the University of Khartoum, Sudan, took Nubian goat kids and gave them high doses of myrrh. The six month old goat kids were split into four groups and different doses were given to each group (1 g/kg/d, 5 g/kg/d and 0.25 g/kg/d). The use of 1 to 5 grams of resin caused grinding of teeth, salivation, soft feces, inappetence, jaundice, dyspnea, ataxia, and recumbency. Death occurred between five and sixteen days for the goats receiving the higher doses. The oral dose of 0.25 g of plant resin/kg/d was not found to be toxic (Omer and Adam 299-301). This study just shows that there needs to be reasonableness even with some of the safest herbs. One of my favorite sayings applies to any herbalist or health practitioner informing someone who is inquiring about herbs. It is simply this - The best consumer is an educated one
KNOWN HERBAL FORMULAS OF MYRRH
Myrrh has been accepted and used by our culture in a day when herbs are being scrutinized by the FDA, pharmaceutical drug companies and the medical profession. For example, many dental hygiene companies use myrrh in toothpastes and mouthwashes, numerous skin care products contain myrrh oil, it can be found in antibacterial ointments and many herbal companies use myrrh as an ingredient in formulas to be used internally. Following, lists some of the products that contain myrrh.
Dr. Christopher’s Original Formulas:
X-Ceptic Formula: Myrrh with white oak bark, golden seal, comfrey, garlic, and cayenne. Used as an external antibacterial tincture.
Anti-Spasmodic Formula: Myrrh with skullcap, lobelia, cayenne, valerian, black cohosh, and skunk cabbage. Used to calm the nervous system (Your Guide 17-21).
Nature’s Answer:
Re-Zist Formula: Myrrh combined with Echinacea, golden seal, wild indigo and cayenne. Used for conditions when the body’s resistance is low. The recommended dosage is ½ to 2 ml, 2 to 6 times a day not to exceed ten days at a time. Not for usage during pregnancy.
Di-Jest Formula: Myrrh with peppermint, ginger, fennel, golden seal, gentian, and cayenne. Used internally as a digestive aid for gastrointestinal upsets (Goldman and Kamhi 13-24).
Alternative Health & Herbal Remedies:
Myrrh Herbal Poultice with Comfrey Leaf: Myrrh with comfrey leaf, slippery elm and lobelia. Used externally for bed sores, chicken pox, cuts, skin eruptions, and as a disinfectant (Herbal Remedies).
Young Living Essential Oils:
Abundance: Myrrh essential oil with cinnamon, frankincense, patchouli, orange, clove, ginger, and spruce oils. Used for its ability to enhance the frequency of the energy field that surrounds us and for its antiviral and antifungal properties.
Exodus II: Myrrh essential oil with cassia, hyssop, frankincense, spikenard, galbanum, cinnamon bark, and calamus oils. Used for immune-stimulating and antiviral properties.
Hope: Myrrh essential oil with Melissa officinalis, spruce, and juniper oils. Used to uplifta person that feels hopeless. May help someone dealing with suicidal depression.
Humility: Myrrh essential oil with frankincense, rose, rosewood, ylang ylang, geranium, Melissa officinalis, spikenard and neroli oils. Used in helping someone forgive.
White Angelica: Myrrh essential oil with ylang ylang, rose, Melissa officinalis, sandalwood, geranium, spruce, hyssop, bergamot, and rosewood oils. Used to bring a sense of strength and protection. Neutralizes negative energy (Essential Oils Desk Reference).
Tom’s of Maine (Dental Products):
Natural Anti-gingivitis Toothpaste, Propolis & Myrrh Floride-Free Toothpaste,
Anti-plaque Flat and Round Flosses (Tom’s).
Dermaxime (Skin care products):
Clarifying Toner, Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion, Nail and Cuticle Balm, Rejuvenating Neck cream, Rejuvenating Eye Gel-Cream, and Nourishing and Refreshing Foot Cream (Dermaxime).
VITA-MYR Products:
VITA-MYR Mouthwash and Toothpaste, Myrrh and Clove Soap (Vita-Myr).
Logona Cosmetics:
Five natural toothpastes and tooth gels containing myrrh (Logona).
Shelter Pharmacy:
This company sells a product for livestock animals called Utrona Tablets. The indications for this product are genito urinary infections, urolithiasis, urethritis, cystitis, pyeritis, urethrotomy, and for use as a galactegogue and anti-inflammatory agent. It also has restorative and pyelonephritic properties (Shelter).
Other Combinations on the market:
Parthenium and Myrrh Combination: used to fight infections of the lymphatic and respiratory systems, relieve pain, increase production of mucosal fluids while decreasing their thickness, and increase immune response in the body. Traditionally this formula has been used to treat blood poisoning, eczema, infections, fevers, earaches, swollen glands and abscesses.
Capsicum and Myrrh Combination: Used to treat ulcers and other inflammations in the digestive system, reduce pain and inflammations, increase blood circulation, increase production of digestive fluids and enzymes and has laxative and antiseptic properties (Pederson 207, 280).
These are just some of the products available on the market today containing myrrh. Myrrh’s usage seems to continue to be accepted by dentists and health practitioners during the twenty-first century. So far it has had no hindrances from the FDA regarding internal usage
DOSAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF MYRRHAs the resins in myrrh do not readily dissolve in water, the best way to prepare myrrh is in tincture form. Tinctured myrrh is typically made in a 1:5 ratio meaning 1 part myrrh and 5 parts menstrum. The menstrum used in this particular tincture is 90% ethanol alcohol, and 10% water. The tincture preparation of myrrh is indicated for use as a gargle or mouthwash. 5 to 10 drops (one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a teaspoon) added to 8 ounces of water is the standard dosage for both these uses. Myrrh tincture can also be applied straight on sore gums, lip or mouth tissue up to three times daily. The diluted tincture, which can be made or bought commercially, can be used as a skin wash or as a vaginal douche for thrush. Amounts for these applications vary (E Drug Digest). The tincture of myrrh can also be used for infections, feverish conditions from head colds to glandular fevers, respiratory conditions and as an ingredient in expectorant preparations (Purple Sage). It can also be used undiluted as a paint for ulcers and wounds (Heilpflanzen).
Diluted myrrh essential oil consisting of 10 drops myrrh and 25 ml water, can be applied to wounds and chronic ulcers. It can also be added to a lotion that is used to treat hemorrhoids. 1 ml oil in 15 ml almond or sunflower oil is an excellent chest rub for bronchitis and colds with thick phlegm. A preparation used for vaginal thrush can be made by using 10 drops of the oil and 30 grams of cocoa butter and formed into twenty-four pessaries. An infusion of myrrh can be made by powdering 1 to 2 teaspoons of myrrh, pouring over it a cup of boiled water and letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. One cup three times a day would be the optimal dosage for feverish or phlegm conditions or when the immune system is low.
Another way of taking myrrh is in capsule form. One 200 mg capsule can be taken up to five times a day as an alternative to the tincture or infusion for internal usage (Purple Sage). Although it may be more palatable to take myrrh in this form, the benefits of taking any herb are thought to be more effective when the herb is tasted. This is because taste stimulates the glands in the mouth and the herb often diffuses into the blood stream through the capillaries in the mouth
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Myrrh’s alluring fragrance and properties has encouraged my family and me to use it in multiple ways. How sesquiterpenes affect the limbic region of the brain has been a fascinating study for me. This is because not only are the emotions controlled by this area, but the hypothalamus as well, which produces a hormone that causes the pituitary to release human growth hormone. My younger brother is delayed in his growth due to surgery trauma as an infant. We have used myrrh in some tincture preparations along with other herbs to stimulate the release of human growth hormone. We have also diffused frankincense - a relative of myrrh, for its sesquiterpene properties. My family has also used myrrh in a couple tea combinations when dealing with immune issues. Myrrh is bitter in this application however, and not everyone in my family would drink it. Personally, I have applied myrrh oil to the nail on one of my little toes which was separated into two parts from a past injury. One of the parts had picked up a fungus that made it almost black in color. From about six applications of undiluted myrrh oil, the affected part softened and I trimmed it down as far as it would go. Now it is growing back and is a normal color. I will continue to treat it in this way and trim it until the nail is normal and hopefully joined together once again.
My mother has benefited the most in my family from using myrrh. She developed a gum infection in a place afflicted with gingivitis. The area bled easily, was swollen, painful and began to abscess. She put three drops of myrrh on a flattened piece of a cotton ball and placed it over the area every night for several nights as well as in the afternoon of the first day. She said she felt a strong drawing action only where the infection was, while all around it was locally numbed. After just one overnight application, the swelling was significantly reduced and by the third day of application, she said her gum felt tight and healthy. She continued to apply myrrh to different areas of her gums and completely eliminated the gingivitis. She said myrrh was simple to use, refreshing, pleasant tasting and gave wonderful results.
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