Dalby, Andrew (2000). Dangerous Tastes: the story of spices. London: British Museum Press. ISBN 978-0-7141-2720-0. (US ISBN 0-520-22789-1), pp.107–122. Chen Y, Zhou C, Ge Z, et al. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense. Oncol Lett 2013;6(4):1140-6. View abstract. They are also ‘easier’ to take. Instead of taking time to brew up an infusion three times a day, a measure of tincture can be added to cold water and drunk as needed. According to the hadith of Muhammad, narrated by Abu Nuaim on the authority of Abban bin Saleh bin Anas, Muhammad said, "Fumigate your houses with mugwort, myrrh and thyme." ( Kanz-ul-Ummal). [14] The Encyclopedia of Islamic Herbal Medicine mentions the same hadith: "The Messenger of Allah stated, 'Fumigate your houses with al-shih, murr, and sa'tar.'" The author states that this use of the word "murr" refers specifically to Commiphora myrrha. [15] The other two are Al-Shih (possibly mugwort) and Sa'tar (or Za'atar - thyme). Leave the tincture in a cool, dark place for at least a month (one lunar cycle) and gently shake it up a few times a week. This is to encourage more herbal extraction.

Myrrh is considered a powerful decongestant. Diffusing Myrrh essential oil in an aromatherapy oil burner can clear excessive mucus and provide relief from coughs, colds, bronchitis and asthma. 14. Muscle Ache Chen Y, Zhou C, Ge Z, et al. Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense. Oncol Lett. 2013; 6:1140–1146. [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar]Traditional uses of myrrh include treating skin wounds and infections. Today, scientists are testing these applications ( 17).

Large amounts of myrrh can affect heart rate. If you have a heart condition, get your healthcare provider’s advice before starting myrrh. For the purpose of preserving your own herbs and making your own tinctures at home, the process is very simple. Terpenoids have been shown to exhibit different pharmacological activities together with anti-molluscic (Borkosky et al. 2009), hypoglycemic (Agwaya and Nandutu, 2016), anesthetic (local) (Tsuchiya and Mizogami 2017), cytotoxic (Shoaib et al. 2017), and microbicidal effects (Zengin and Baysal 2014). Bark yields a fragrant resin used as flavoring fir sweets, baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, and desserts. Food-grade glycerine. You may need to warm the glycerine to make it runny before pouring over your herbs. If using dried herbs, dampen them with a little hot water before pouring the glycerine over.Ethno-pharmacological evaluation has identified myrrh an anticancer drug. The active constituent possessing anticancer activity is elemene with proven action on various cancerous cells including glioblastoma, and it was proven to be safe and effective. Elemene, particularly β-elemene, was reported to possess anti-proliferative activity. It acts by activating p38MAPK in glioblastoma (Yao et al. 2008). Also, the compound 2S-epoxy-4R-furanogermacr-10-3n-6-one, furose-type sesquiterpene rel-1S isolated from myrrh was reported to possess low cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cell line of breast cancer. This compound, in combination with bisabolene in myrrh, was effective in reducing the growth of breast cancer indicating myrrh as containing novel anti-breast cancer drug (Yeo et al. 2016; Shen et al. 2008). Cyclobolinane, a triterpenoid present in myrrh, was shown to exert a moderate cytotoxic effect on PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines (Shameem 2018). Like other essential oils, myrrh oil is very concentrated, so you only need a few drops at a time. Avoid diffusing it close to babies and young children, as it’s uncertain how much they’ll inhale and how much is safe. Tincture of Myrrh is one of the most ancient of all remedies, and was widely used by the ancient Egyptians. This fragrant gum resin is useful for a variety of conditions but is most widely known as a specific helper in the treatment of mouth ulcers, thrush, sore gums and tonsillitis. Myrrh is anti-microbial, astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and strengthens the body’s defences. The astringency can help tighten tissues to defend against infection and improve tone. The tincture is used as a mouthwash or gargle by diluting 5 to 10 drops in a small tumbler of water. Please note that Myrrh turns water white. To extract the active ingredients from the gum resin requires a high level of alcohol. To disperse the alcohol, if wished, simply heat to just under boiling for a few minutes & allow it to cool before using. Myrrh is used as a perfume in cosmetic creams, soaps and perfumes, as well as its traditional usage in incense. It is also a popular ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes. History Eid RAA. Efficacy of Commiphora myrrh mouthwash on early wound healing after tooth extraction: A randomized controlled trial. Saudi Dent J 2021;33(1):44-54. View abstract. Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque ( 12).

Vafaei H, Ajdari S, Hessami K, et al. Efficacy and safety of myrrh in patients with incomplete abortion: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 May 12;20(1):145. View abstract. Myrrh ( / m ɜːr/; from an unidentified ancient Semitic language, see §Etymology) is a gum- resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. [1] Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. [2] [ citation needed] Extraction and production [ edit ] Commiphora myrrha tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvestedExtract of Myrrh consists of good amount of bioactive phytochemical furanodienes which actually has the strength to ease headache. Research conducted in both male and female participants reported that Myrrh help to reduce the pain score of the subjects with a headache. Research also described that a minimum dose of Myrrh is quite effective to manage headache. 2. Relieve pain It has also been used in mouthwash and gargles to fight bad breath and infections, and to help heal mouth sores and loose teeth.

Al-Romaiyan A, Huang GC, Jones P, Persaud S. Commiphora myrrha stimulates insulin secretion from mouse and human islets of Langerhans. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Jan 10;264:113075. View abstract. Borkosky S, Ponce de León S, Juárez G, et al. Molluscicidal sesquiterpene lactones from species of the tribe Vernonieae (Compositae) Chem Biodivers. 2009; 6:513–519. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot ( 17).Osman MM, El-Taweel HA, Shehab AY, Farag HF. Ineffectiveness of myrrh-derivative Mirazid against schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in humans. East Mediterr Health J. 2010 Sept; 16(9):932-6. View abstract. Agwaya MS, Nandutu AM (2016) Hypoglycemic activity of aqueous root bark extract Zanthoxylum chalybeum in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Journal of diabetes research 2016 [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] Atta AH, Alkofahi A. Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998; 60:117–124. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar]