Myrrh Benefits for Both Mind and Body
Myrrh is most commonly known as one of the
gifts the wise men had brought baby Jesus on his birthday, along with
frankincense and gold. Have you ever stopped to think why they chose
myrrh, of all things? My personal interpretation is that these gifts
were meant to bring health and wealth. After you’ll learn about the
spiritual and physical benefits of myrrh essential oil, you’ll
understand why I claim it is synonymous with health.
What is myrrh?
Myrrh can be used both as resin and
essential oil. It is derived from a tree botanically related to the
frankincense tree, which is known to be able to grow and prosper in
inclement conditions. The resin is harvested through a calculated
process of cutting into the tree’s trunk in intervals of 15 days. When
the tree's injured, it releases the sap which dries and hardens into a
resin.
Etymologically, the word "myrrh" came from the same word in Arabic,
meaning “bitter.“ Myrrh essential oil is thicker and more viscous than
the average essential oil, making it highly moisturizing.
As it was mentioned in the Bible, you can infer that it has been used in
traditional medicine for millennia. It has religious and spiritual
properties. Myrrh has been used to clear the air and the mind, and in
practical traditional medicine, it was used for treating fevers,
inflamed cuts, and wounds, as well as an astringent to stop bleeding and
an embalming agent.
Antioxidant and anti-cancer properties
Many plants can be described as having
antioxidant properties because they generate compounds that protect them
from oxidative stress in nature. Myrrh is a powerful antioxidant, a
property that is enhanced in the presence of frankincense. A recent
study found that burning the two together as incense reduces airborne
material counts by 68%.
Several new studies have even found anticancer properties in myrrh. It
was found effective against several types of gynecological cancers, as
well as liver, prostate, breast, and skin cancer.
Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities
Myrrh is not only an antibacterial, but it
also stimulates the immune system to produce more white blood cells -
the body’s natural bacteria killers. Thanks to this property, it can
also be used to treat oral infections (such as gingivitis) and functions
as an antimicrobial additive to mouthwash or toothpaste. It has been
found in several studies to reduce inflammation, kill parasites and
fungus and reduce pain by interacting with opioid receptors in the
brain.
You can harness myrrh’s antifungal properties for the treatment of mild
cases of athlete’s foot, bad breath, ringworm, and staph infections.
Skin health
Myrrh supports the fast healing of wounds.
It can be applied topically, diluted in a carrier oil, as an ingredient
in an herbal homemade paste, or in a bath or a soak to help heal even
the most tender wounds, such as postpartum vaginal tears. It will also
help soothe chapped or cracked skin and nails. Use it as a cuticle oil
for brittle, splitting nails.
Practical tips for home use:
Here are quick tips and recipes for
applying myrrh in your homestead:
1. Mold killer: there are many recipes for natural mold cleaners based
on baking soda, vinegar, or lemon. You can add myrrh essential oil for
its antifungal properties.
2. Gingivitis remedy: add several drops of oil to 2 ounces of water or
coconut oil and swish in the mouth for one minute.
3. Cold compress for swelling: dilute myrrh in carrier oil (jojoba oil,
grape seed oil, coconut oil) and use it as a cold compress for pain and
swelling.
4. Inhalation: use it in an electronic diffuser or just add it to
boiling water and inhale. This helps a congested upper respiratory
system and a troubled mind.
5. Digestive tea: to aid digestion, add 2 drops to your tea. Make sure
you use essential oil of the highest quality and drink it sporadically
to avoid an upset stomach.
6. Thyroid relief: massage 3 drops as a complementary treatment for
hypothyroidism.
A final word on side effects
Unlike frankincense, which is considered to be one of the safest
essential oils, there are some things to keep in mind when using myrrh.
⁃ Pregnant women should avoid myrrh, as it may enhance contractions.
⁃ Myrrh may lower and influence blood glucose, and therefore, it is not
recommended for people with diabetes.
⁃ Myrrh may interact with diabetes medication as well as
anticoagulants. People on these medications should avoid myrrh.