Commiphora is a species of shrubs that grows in desert regions. A pale yellow liquid oozes out of the trunk and stems and hardens into a reddish-brown substance known as myrrh. This process is amplified by insicions on the bark of the tree by humans.

Myrrh oil is pale yellow to pale orange or light-brown to green in colour. It’s pungent odour is warm and peppery with a sharp-balsamic note.

Anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenoogue, expectorant, fungicidal, sedative, digestive and pulmonary stimulant, tonic, vulnerary.

Curzerene (12%), furanoeudesma-1,3-diene (13%), curzerenone (12%), lindestrene (4%).

Uses:

Myrrh is renown for it’s spiritual purposes in rituals, healing and meditation. It can be burned as an insence or in an oil burner or inhaled directly. It is usually combined with frankinsence to enhance emotional and/or spiritual liberty. Myrrh is also used in floral, forest or moss-like perfumes, mouthwashes and throat medicines. Other uses include: clearing coughs and colds due to it’s expectorant properties, cleansing of toxins, promoting tissue repair, warming and stimulating the stomach, and in assisting prolonged or difficult childbirth.

Blends well with:

Frankinsence, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, tea tree, and thyme.

Interesting Facts:

Myrrh was used as an ingredient in many ancient Egyptian facial preparations to cool the skin and reserve the youthful complexion. It’s ability to preserve flesh was taken for embalming.

Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, may be toxic in high concentrations. A dilution of 8% is recommended. Not to be used during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.