COMMON NAME: Myrrh

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Commiphora myrrha, Balsamodendrom myrrha

FAMILY NAME: Burseraceae (Incense)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Africa, Southwest Asia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen

HISTORY INFORMATION: This is the Myrrh of the Bible. It was used as an anointing oil, incense, medicine, ointment and as an embalming oil. It has also been used to maintain healthy teeth and gums. In China it was used for arthritis, menstrual problems, sores and hemorrhoids. It has also been used to treat leprosy. The Egyptians called this oil "phun", and used it in noon, sun worship rituals as well as in their "kyphi" incense. Ancient Greeks used it in a perfume called "megaleion".

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are a variety of myrrh species and as the resin is gathered there is little assurance exactly of what you have as they are often mixed together. One of the ways the resin is collected is off goats. As they graze, they come into contact with the resin and it sticks to their beards. It is collected later by their owners, who cannot know which trees it came from. Herebol (C. molmol) is called African or Somali myrrh and is reported to be an excellent quality. Opopanax (C. erythrea) is another myrrh, sometimes called "bisabol" or "sweet myrrh" (see listing). Arabian or Yemen myrrh (C. abyssinica) is considered by some to be superior. There are other species considered inferior: C. stocksiana, C. roxburghali, and C. agallocha. Myrrh is a major fixative oil in fragrances. C. opobalsamam is thought to be the Balm of Mecca or (some say) the Balm of Gilead.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: Shrubs or small trees growing to 33 feet high with knotted branches and trifoliate aromatic leaves producing white flowers. It grows in very dry conditions and naturally produces resin from fissures in its trunk.

PARTS PROCESSED: Resin tears. Crude oleogum resin.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam or water distilled. Resinoid by solvent extraction.

COLOR RANGE: Yellow to amber. Dark reddish-brown

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Varies widely. Class: Terpene. Heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic (infected gums), antispasmodic, antitussive, aperient, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrizant, cooling, deodorant, depurative, disinfectant, diuretic, drying, emmenagogue, expectorant. fixative, healing, homeostatic, invigorating (immune system), moisturizer, pectoral, rejuvenator (skin cells), revitalizing, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, tonifying, vulnerary. Used for inflamed or cracked skin, athletes foot, wrinkles, voice loss, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, cough, gum disease, colds, wasting digestive diseases, ulcers, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, balancing sexual appetite, emotional coldness, balancing upper and lower chakras, emotional trauma and stimulating white blood cell production

MENTAL USES: I am more than I once thought. I have a purpose that goes beyond the little me. As I serve, I now know that I am served. I have all the time I need.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feel like you have "fuzzy edges," disoriented, not yourself, out of balance TO greater awareness of self as a member of humanity, greater understanding of how you can serve, ego balance with higher self.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are in a major transition or initiation especially involving changes going on within the planet and humanities energy field. Myrrh assists in tuning into dimensional realities without losing home base, Earth, in becoming cosmic without losing your Earthiness. It also assists you in transcending time. You are timeless and you have all the time you need. Relax. There is no need to rush.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candles, massage, mist spray, salve, skin lotion, toothpaste.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, avoid use on damaged or hypersensitive skin (especially the crude resin), avoid in pregnancy.