Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Astringent, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Immune stimulant, Circulatory stimulant, Expectorant, Sedative
Terpenoids
This Site is for Educational Use Only: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a licensed medical professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any medicinal plants, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Myrrh is a resin extracted from bark, which already gives it that ancient, ceremonial, came-in-a-jar-on-a-camel energy. And honestly that tracks, because myrrh has been used medicinally and ritually for thousands of years across multiple cultures. It also makes perfume, which means it is simultaneously medicine and something that smells expensive.
It's a cousin of guggul and shares a lot of the same benefits, so if you've already read that entry some of this will feel familiar. Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and a stimulant. It disinfects tissue, helps with skin and digestive problems, and can lower high cholesterol levels.
For colds and flu specifically it earns its place. Myrrh can help dry out a runny nose and open up congestion for better breathing and sleep, which is exactly what you need when you're lying there at 2am unable to breathe through either nostril. Bitter tasting resin is not the most glamorous delivery method but it gets the job done.
It also makes an excellent mouthwash, same as guggul, and same caveat applies: technically very functional, not exactly a pleasant flavor experience. But your gums won't care.
Safety note: Do not take the essential oil internally. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not combine with alcohol based extracts. Patch test before topical application as contact dermatitis is possible for some people.
Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9672555/
Myrrh's therapeutic uses https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/myrrhs-therapeutic-uses
The Genus Commiphora: An Overview of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Quality Control https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11597752/
Medicinal Herbs by JJ Pursell
Herbal Remedies by Andrew Chevallier
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No provider-patient relationship is created by use of this site. The author makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of plants or remedies described herein.
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