According to ancient times, Myrrh was so valuable that they were equally valued to that of gold! In fact, it has been mentioned in the Bible numerous times, as the three Wise Men brought myrrh to Jesus in the New Testament.

Myrrh has also been used by the ancient Egyptians for their mummification process! This reveals how since the dawn of time, myrrh essential oil has been so useful and important for civilisation.

Unlike most essential oils, myrrh is akin to that of the sap of a tree called the Commiphora myrrha, usually found in Africa or the Middle East. Specifically, it is a resin, which is only released when the tree trunks are cut. The resin is then dried and collected. The myrrh essential oil is obtained from the sap through a process called steam distillation. Myrrh essential oil has a very complex and multilayered smell, in that it can be smoky, sweet and bitter-smelling at the same time!

With the uses of myrrh spanning to the dawn of civilisation, it must have many potent healing and medicinal properties. And indeed it does! Below are some of the top health benefits of myrrh and myrrh essential oil.

Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil:

1. As an antioxidant

Myrrh is a powerful antioxidant, so much so that it can protect the liver from damage since the liver is one of our main detoxifying organs in our body. With the liver constantly being bombarded by harmful toxins and substances that need to be flushed out, it is important to protect the liver from damage.

A study which was published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal in 2010 showed promising results as it concluded that the presence of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion is a powerful antioxidant which can prevent liver damage and strengthen the immune system.

2. As an anti-cancer

Not only does myrrh contain much antioxidants that can protect the liver, it also has anti-cancer agents as it seeks to combat cancer cells from forming and spreading to various parts of the body. A 2013 study, published in Oncology Letters and carried out by researchers in China investigated the effects of myrrh’s properties on cancer, and found that it is able to stop the growth of cancer cells as they show heightened sensitivity to the compounds found in myrrh.

Another study carried out in 2011 and published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research also found that myrrh is able to stop the formation of human gynecologic cancer cells. We have yet to ascertain how exactly can myrrh be used in cancer treatment and cancer prevention, but these research show that myrrh does contain powerful anti-cancer qualities that can potentially revolutionize cancer treatment everywhere in the future!

3. As an anti-parasitic

Antiparasitic treatments can be quite discomforting but there have been advancements to develop another treatment using myrrh in it. This hence attests to their anti-parasitic properties. From the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a 2001 research developed a drug made from myrrh as the primary compound to treat fascioliasis, which is a type of infection.

The treatment was highly effective in reducing the infection levels in just 3 months! Furthermore, there were no harmful side effects or toxins that were found in the patients. As such, the formulation of myrrh is safe to be used as an effective, yet mild anti-parasitic treatment.

4. As an antiseptic and antifungal agent

Myrrh essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial compound that can be used to treat a variety of wounds and skin infections. Coupled with its anti-inflammatory and pain relief qualities, the myrrh essential oil is an extremely good choice to facilitate the healing of scrapes and wounds and keep infections at bay! Also, it can treat skin fungal conditions such as athlete’s foot or ringworms. The anti-inflammatory and antifungal benefits will do its magic in reducing swelling and providing relief to the inflamed area!

5. As an aromatherapy

Like most essential oils, the myrrh essential oil can also be used as a form of aromatherapy to destress after a long day at work or at school and provide mental clarity as well as tranquility. It can also be inhaled directly if you are sick to relieve symptoms of bronchitis, coughs and colds.

How to Use Myrrh Essential Oil:

For skin and fungal infections, be sure to apply a few drops of the oil onto a clean towel first before applying it directly to the skin. Also, it is wise to mix myrrh essential oil with other carrier oils such as jojoba, almond or grape seed essential oils before applying it directly onto the skin. However, ensure there are no allergic or sensitive reactions by doing a skin patch test first! Alternatively, you can also add a few drops of myrrh essential oil to a cold compress and put it on the infected area.

Alternatively for aromatherapy, you can put the oil in a distiller or vapourizer and diffuse the smell throughout the room or the house. In fact, it can also be blended with other essential oils to create a new, unique scent that is much lighter and sweeter than the original myrrh. Examples of other essential oils that can be blended with myrrh essential oil include bergamot, grapefruit or lemon essential oils.

In fact, myrrh essential oil can also be mixed with frankincense in a special blend that you can DIY at home to create a body lotion that revitalises, hydrates, heals, tones and protects the skin as it brings numerous vitamins, nutrients and important healing properties! To make the homemade frankincense and myrrh lotion, you would need:-

• ¼ cup of olive oil, coconut oil, bees wax and shea butter each.

• 2 tablespoons of vitamin E

• 20 drops of frankincense essential oil and myrrh essential oil each.

The directions to make this homemade recipe are:-

1. Combine the olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax and shea butter and place it in a sauce-pan with water.

2. Heat the stove in medium-heat and stir the ingredients together.

3. Refrigerate the mixture for about an hour until it has turned solid.

4. Use a mixer to beat the mixture until it is whipped and fluffy.

5. Proceed to add the essential oils and vitamin E into the mix.

6. Pour the mixture into a lotion dispenser bottle and store it in a cool place.

However, remember to consult with your doctor first if you are pregnant before taking the myrrh essential oil and it is not recommended to ingest myrrh essential oil.

References:

A Massoud, et al., “Preliminary study of therapeutic efficacy of a new faciolicidal drug derived from Commiphora molmol (myrrh)”, The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2001); 65(2)

Ashry KM, et al., “Oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects of lead and their amelioration with myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion”, Food and Chemical Toxicology (2010); 48(1)

Shulan Su, et al., “Cytotoxicity activity of extracts and compounds from Commiphora myrrha resin against human gynecologic cancer cells”, Journal of Medicinal Plants Research (2011); 5(8)

Yingli Chen, et al., “Composition and potential anticancer activities of essential oils obtained from myrrh and frankincense”, Oncology Letters (2013); 6(4)