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Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)!

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Parts of the plant: Myrrh is distilled from the resin obtained from stems and
branches. Somalia is the most common country of origin.

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Composition: Myrrh is rich in terpenes, particular sesquiterpenes.
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Description / History: Myrrh has a rich history among the ancients, from the
Egyptian tombs, where it was an embalming agent, to a gift of the Magi at Christs birth.
The steam distilled oil is a light brownish orange color. It has a strong woodsy, balsamic,
even earthy aroma that is used in perfumery as a base note.

Pharmacological actions: Myrrh is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and has antiseptic

abilities. Clinical data are limited and many studies utilize the whole resin, which also
contains water soluble compounds. However, the high level of sesquiterpenes found in
myrrh essential oil provides some scientific support to the traditional use of myrrh for
topical wound healing.

Indications: Myrrh oil contains many antimicrobial compounds and is extremely

useful for wound healing. It is also useful as a mouthwash to improve dental health.

Antimicrobial: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits of myrrh explain its

success as a traditional support for dental care and wound healing. In vitro studies
indicate that it is effective against both fungal and bacterial infections, specifically
Escherichia coli, Staphlycoccus aureus, and Candida albicans.1 The British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia approves the use of myrrh tincture (which would include volatile oils in
addition to other compounds) as an internal treatment for various infections, including
upper respiratory infections.

Wound Management: Myrrh is frequently cited as a valuable tool in wound

management in traditional aromatherapy. While its major compounds are established
as having actions which are known to be beneficial in wound healing, no large clinical
studies to further support the claims exist. However, case studies do support this use.
One case study in particular documents how a diabetic patient used a paste of myrrh
1

Dolara P, Corte B, Ghelardini C, et al. Local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of
sesquiterpenes from myrrh. Planta-medica. 2000;66(4):356358.

copyright 2014 Vintage Remedies, Inc All Rights Reserved 1

and propolis as a topical application to a deep surgical wound which had become
infected. This was used in conjunction with traditional antimicrobial therapies, which
had been ineffective at eliminating the infection. The combination successfully
maintained the wound, which continued to heal over a four week period.2

Parasites: An standardized Egyptian treatment (Mirazid) is used to treat certain

parasitical infections successfully. Research indicates that it is effective against several
schistosome species with a standard six day treatment retaining effectiveness for over
three months in a clinical study conducted in Egypt3. However, while many studies
support its use, it should be noted that evidence is conflicting, with some more recent
studies indicating that it is not as effective as standard treatments.

Contraindications: While clinical studies are limited, existing studies indicate that
myrrh may decrease contractions. Until further research occurs, a theoretical
contraindication may be appropriate for any use of myrrh oil during labor and first days
of the postpartum phase of childbirth.

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Additional effects: There are no known interactions in the literature.
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Interactions: There are no known interactions in the literature.
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Dosage: Myrrh is not utilized internally
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Ld50: 1.7 g/kg (oral)
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Cooking Tips: Myrrh is not frequently used in culinary preparations.
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Methods of Administration: The oil is suitable for topical use. For short term
treatments, a 1:10 maximum dilution is recommended. For routine products, adherence
to the guidelines provided in the skin care unit is recommended.

Lotfy M, Badra G, Burham W, Alenzi FQ. Combined use of honey, bee propolis and myrrh in healing a
deep, infected wound in a patient with diabetes mellitus. British Journal Biomedical Science. 2006;63(4):
171173.
3

Abo-Madyan AA , Morsy TA , Motawea SM . Efficacy of Myrrh in the treatment of schistosomiasis

( haematobium and mansoni ) in Ezbet El-Bakly, Tamyia Center, El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt . Journal
Egyptian Soc Parasitology . 2004;34(2):423-446.

copyright 2014 Vintage Remedies, Inc All Rights Reserved 2