FWD 2 Healthy Ingredients: Myrrh

Myrrh

Commiphora myrrha
Family: Burseraceae
CTFA name: Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) Oil
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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Myrrh is a small, thorny tree or shrub that can grow up to 9 feet tall.1,2  It is native to southwest Asia, and most commonly Africa3  near the region of the Red Sea.4  Myrrh is also found in India and Pakistan as it grows well in dry, desert-like environments.2  A thick, pale-yellow liquid, oleo-resin1  flows from the naturally occurring cracks in the bark4  and hardens into a reddish-brown tear-shaped mass about the size of a walnut.4  The oleo-resin is both aromatic4  and bitter tasting.1  Purposeful damaging of the stems of the myrrh tree in order to increase the amount of oleo-resin may result in an inferior product.1  

History and Cultural Significance

Historically myrrh has been used in Middle Eastern medicine to treat wounds and infections.3  In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh has long been used to treat problems associated with the mouth, such as sore gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throat. Myrrh is most widely known as incense in religious rituals and, in ancient times, was highly valued in trade.3  In ancient Egypt it was used as an embalming fluid.3  

In folk medicine, myrrh was used internally for colds, coughs, indigestion, asthma, and arthritis pain.5  Externally, myrrh was used for hemorrhoids, wounds, bad breath, and loose teeth. The oleoresin of myrrh contains a volatile oil, called a terpene, which is thought to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and deodorizing properties.5  

Internally myrrh has been used by women to stimulate menstrual flow and help relieve menopausal symptoms.3  It has also been utilized in cough and cold remedies as an expectorant to alleviate thick mucous.6  

Myrrh has astringent properties.3  It is used as a flavoring agent in beverages4,5  and candy,7  and as a fragrance in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes7  and incense.5  

Modern Research

A small number of studies suggest that myrrh may have protective effects against parasites.8  9  

Currently there are no human clinical studies available on the external uses of myrrh.

Future Outlook

Demand for myrrh resin is difficult to quantify due to unofficial trade across borders and because official statistics may not be kept by the producing countries.10  In 1987 the world trade of myrrh produced in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya was approximated at 1,100 tons. The main consumers of myrrh are China and Saudi Arabia.10  

References

1  Van Wyk B, Wink M. Medicinal Plants of the World. Portland, OR: Timber Press; 2004.

2  Bruneton J, ed. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. 2nd ed. Paris: Lavoisier; 1999.

3  Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.

4  DerMarderosian A, Beutler J, eds. The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons; 2002.

5  Jellin JM, ed. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2002.

6  Tisserand RB. The Art of Aromatherapy. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press; 1977.

7  Tyler VE, Foster S. Tyler’s Honest Herbal. 4th ed. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press; 1999.

8  Sheir Z, Nasr AA, Massoud A, et al. A safe effective herbal antischistosomal therapy derived from myrrh. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Dec 2001;65(6):700-704.

9  Hegab MH, Hassan RM. Role of circulating Fasciola antigens and IgG4 isotype in assessment of cure from fascioliasis. J Egypt Soc Parasitol. Aug 2003;33(2):561-570.

10  Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations web site. Flavours and fragrances of plant origin. Olibanum (frankincense), myrrh and opopanax resins and oils. 1995. Available at: http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?url_file=/docrep/V5350E/V5350e00.htm. Accessed October 10, 2005.