Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)

Overview

Myrrh may also be referred to as African myrrh, herabol myrrh, Somali myrrhor, common myrrh. It is typically processed using distillation as a method for extracting oil from the resin.

Summary

Myrrh oil comes from the resin (dried sap) of the Commiphora myrrha tree. It has a warm, spicy scent.

Myrrh
By Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen - List of Koehler Images, Public Domain, Link

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Balsamic Earthy Warm Woody

  • Common Name(s): African myrrh, herabol myrrh, Somali myrrhor, common myrrh

  • Synonyms(s) for Commiphora myrrha: Balsamea myrrha, Balsamodendron myrrha, Commiphora coriacea, Commiphora cuspidata, Commiphora habessinica grossedentata, Commiphora molmol, Commiphora myrrha var. molmol, Commiphora playfairii benadirensis, Commiphora rivae

  • Botanical Family: Burseraceae
  • Botanical Genus: Commiphora
  • Major Compounds: Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, Furanodiene, Lindestrene, B-Elemene, Germacrene B, Geracrene D, Delta-Elemene, 2-Methoxyfuranodiene
  • Perfumery Note: Base
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong
  • Color: Golden Yellow/Brown
  • Indigenous Country: Somalia
  • Cultivation: Organically Grown
  • Processing Methods: Distillation
  • Part Typically Used: Resin
  • Shelf Life: indefinite
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Athlete's Foot Bad Breath Blisters Bronchia Bronchitis Burns Catarrh Chills Colds Coughs Cystitis Menstruation : Cramp ( Dysmenorrhea ) Menstruation : Excess ( Menorrhagia ) Menstruation : Lack of Periods (Amenorrhea) Menstruation : P.M.T. Migraine Ringworm Sinusitis Skin : Chapped Skin : Dermatitis Sun Burn : Mild

Therapeutic Benefits of Myrrh:

Cicatrisant

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Myrrh:

Tisserand and Young indicate that Myrrh Oil may be fetotoxic, and thus is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young,Essential Oil Safety(Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 357.]

Safety Precautions for Myrrh:

Do not take any oilsinternallyand do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils withchildrenand be sure to first read therecommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, readEssential Oil Safetyby Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Articles

Myrrh Articles or Publications:

Muhuhu (African Sandalwood) Essential Oil
Myrtle Essential Oil