Myrrh ~ Commipihora myrrha
8:23 AM Posted by jo
The Commiphora species are shrubs up to 10 meters high.
Origin
Somalia.
Aroma
It has a warm, rich spicy balsamic odor. It promotes spiritual awareness, is revitalizing and uplifting.
Historical and traditional uses
The Arabs used myrrh for various skin conditions such as cracked and chapped skin and wrinkles. The Egyptian women used myrrh in their facial preparations since it had a reputation of reducing wrinkles and preserve a youthful appearance. Myrrh is frequently mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.
Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses
Myrrh is said to be valuable for people who feel stuck emotionally and spiritually and want to move forward with their lives.
According to Battaglia, myrrh prevents putrefaction and infection and clears toxins and promote repair of tissues. He also says myrrh's expectorant property is useful in colds, coughs, and bronchitis, and it will also expel excessive mucus and sooth mucus membranes in conditions involving excess mucus.
According to Gary Young, myrrh has one of the highest levels sesquiterpenes, which has direct effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala, the seat of our emotions. Young also says myrrh may help asthma, athlete's foot, coughs, candida, eczema, digestion, fungal infections, gum infections, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hemorrhoids, sore throats, wounds, and wrinkles.
According to Battaglia, myrrh generates warmth and stimulates the stomach and therefore is a useful remedy for treating poor appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal distension.
It is also said to be a uterine stimulant according to Battaglia, and it promotes menstruation and relieves painful periods. He says it may also be used to assist in prolonged and difficult labor during childbirth.
According to Battaglia, myrrh is legendary for its efficacy for treatments of chronic ulcers and wounds. He says this is due to its antiseptic, antiphlogistic, astringent, anti-inflammatory. According to Battaglia, myrrh is especially valuable for slow healing wounds and weeping eczema.
According to Battaglia, myrrh generates warmth and stimulates the stomach and therefore is a useful remedy for treating poor appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal distension.
It is also said to be a uterine stimulant according to Battaglia, and it promotes menstruation and relieves painful periods. He says it may also be used to assist in prolonged and difficult labor during childbirth.
According to Battaglia, myrrh is legendary for its efficacy for treatments of chronic ulcers and wounds. He says this is due to its antiseptic, antiphlogistic, astringent, anti-inflammatory. According to Battaglia, myrrh is especially valuable for slow healing wounds and weeping eczema.
Safety
Avoid in pregnancy since it is a uterine stimulant. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use.
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Sources:
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
