What Is Myrrh And It’s Amazing Benefits?

What Is Myrrh? Myrrh is a natural gum or resin, extracted from a number of small prickly trees of the genus Commiphora.

It has been used throughout history as perfume, incense and medicine.

Myrrh, mixed with poke or wine, was spread in ancient cultures, for general pleasure and as a painkiller.

Unique Benefits Of Myrrh

1. Kills harmful bacteria

Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils for embalming mummies, as the oils not only smell nice, but also slowly decay. Now scientists know that this happens because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes.

In addition, in biblical times myrrh incense – often combined with incense – was burned in places of worship to help clean the air and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.

A recent study found that burning myrrh and incense reduces the number of bacteria in the air by 68% (6Trusted Source).

Preliminary animal studies show that myrrh can directly kill the bacteria, and stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill the bacteria (7Trusted Source).

In test tube studies, myrrh has a strong effect on several infectious bacteria, including some that are drug resistant (3, 8, 9, 10).

In one test tube study, myrrh oil at a low dilution of 0.1% killed all inactive Lyme disease bacteria that may persist in some people after antibiotic treatment and continue to cause disease (11 Confirmed Source).

However, more research is needed to determine whether myrrh oil can cure chronic Lyme disease infection.

Myrrh oil was used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered that microbes cause contagious diseases. This can have an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria.

2. Can Support Oral Health

Due to its antimicrobial properties myrrh is traditionally used to treat infections and inflammation of the oral cavity.

Some natural oral rinse and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is FDA approved as an aromatizer.

Moreover, when people with Behcet’s disease, an inflammatory disorder, used myrrh mouth rinse to treat painful pressure sores in the mouth four times a day for a week, 50% had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of pressure sores in the mouth (15).

Tube studies show that an oral rinse containing myrrh oil can also help with gingivitis, i.e. inflammation of the gums around teeth due to plaque accumulation (12Trusted Source).

However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Remember that you should never swallow myrrh oral care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic (15).

Also, if you have oral surgery, it may be better to avoid rinsing your mouth with myrrh during healing. A test tube study has shown that sutures – especially silk sutures – can decompose when exposed to myrrh, although they are retained in doses usually found in an oral rinse.

Some natural mouthwash and toothpastes contain myrrh oil, which can help relieve oral ulcers and gum inflammation. Never swallow these products.

3. It supports healthy skin and can help cure ulcers.

Traditional use of myrrh includes the treatment of skin wounds and infections. Today, scientists are testing these applications.

One of the test tube studies of human skin cells showed that a mixture of essential oils containing myrrh helps heal wounds.

Another study showed that myrrh and other essential oils applied in baths help mothers heal skin wounds in vaginal birth.

However, these studies used several oils simultaneously, so the individual effect of myrrh on wound healing is not clear.

More indicative are specific studies on myrrh oil.

A test tube study of 247 different combinations of essential oils showed that myrrh oil mixed with sandal oil was particularly effective in eliminating germs that infect skin wounds (20Trusted Source).

In addition, in one test tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43-61% growth of five fungi that cause skin diseases, including ringworm and athlete’s foot.

To confirm these benefits, human studies are required. However, if you want to try myrrh for general skin health, many natural ointments and soaps contain it. You can also apply diluted myrrh oil directly to the skin.

Applying diluted myrrh oil to the skin can help heal wounds and fight germs that can cause infections. The oil can also inhibit the growth of skin fungi, including ringworm and athlete’s foot.

4. Kills Cancerous Cells

Studies shown from laboratories shows that myrrh oil can help kill or slow down the growth of cancerous cells in the liver, prostate, breast and skin. However, this has not been tested in humans.

5. In aromatherapy

Myrrh essential oil is known to relieve colds, stagnation, cough, bronchitis and sputum. It is known that breathing in its soothing fragrance lifts the negative mood, contributes to a sense of validity and stimulates a sense of spiritual awakening.

6. For Hair

The astringent myrrh essential oil used in hair strengthens the roots and thus reduces hair loss. In addition to fighting dandruff, its scent stimulates the brain, improves vitality and energy.

7.For Massage

The essential oil of myrrh used in the massage strengthens muscles and smoothes the skin, while promoting relaxation. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties eliminate symptoms of indigestion and prevent the accumulation of toxins in the circulatory system.

8.Heals Wounds And Injuries

Used for medical purposes, myrrh essential oil facilitates healing of wounds, protecting them from infection and calming inflammation of tissues. Its astringent property helps prevent wounds from hemorrhaging, thus preventing unnecessary blood loss. Due to its emmenagogical properties, myrrh oil is known to regulate menstruation and relieve their negative symptoms, such as hormonal imbalances that lead to mood swings.

Article Credit:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/myrrh-oil#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-myrrh-oil-and-resinoid.html