Myrrh essential oil: uses and properties

According to legend, Myrrh was the daughter of Cinyras, the king of Cyprus. Whether due to an ill-considered statement by her mother, Queen Cenchreis, or her lack of devotion to Aphrodite, she was cruelly punished by the goddess. Myrrh fell in love with her own father and, through deceit, lay with him for many nights. Upon discovering the deception, the horrified father chased her to kill her. Invoking the help of the gods, the girl was rescued by Aphrodite herself, moved by compassion for the severe punishment inflicted. The goddess transformed her into a tree, but the inconsolable girl continued to shed tears, which oozed from the bark as fragrant resin. After nine months, the bark split open, and a child was born, the beautiful and strong Adonis.

 

This is how mythology describes Commiphora myrrha and the extraordinary product it gives us: its drops of fragrant resin.

 

The association between myth and reality is particularly apt as the bitter, aromatic, astringent taste and the warm, spicy, enveloping fragrance of Myrrh symbolize love: its sensuality and passion, but also its torments and bitterness.

 

This oleoresin, the exudate that naturally “oozes” from the cracks in the bark of various species of the Commiphora genus, solidifies in the air, taking the form of reddish-brown tears known as Myrrh granules.

 

Belonging to the Burseraceae family, to which Frankincense also belongs, it shares very similar characteristics. It is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and calming. Known to the Egyptians since the 3rd millennium B.C. for both ritual and embalming purposes, it is a plant material containing up to 8% essential oil. The essential oil of this oleoresin is obtained through steam distillation of the granules and exhibits numerous beneficial effects on the body, as we will discover below.

 

Uses and properties of myrrh essential oil

 

Benefits on the psyche: Like Frankincense essential oil, Myrrh also aids spirituality and meditation, calming and predisposing to self-listening and awareness. It is an essential oil associated with the Earth element in alchemy; supportive, helping to ground and materialize what one is doing or experiencing, especially when it feels “slipping away.” It strengthens, purifies, makes one feel positive, centered, and harmonious.

 

In environmental diffusion, it can be used alone or in combination with high essential oils such as Sweet Orange, Lemon, and Bergamot if you wish to refresh the mind, relieve tension, and promote a positive mood. Paired with Lavender essential oil, it has a more calming and sedative effect. Alternatively, a blend of Myrrh, Bergamot, Ginger, and Juniper in equal parts enhances concentration and helps prepare for school exams, work meetings, or activities that require a clear mind.

 

Well-being: Both the essential oil and oleoresin have pronounced anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, astringent, and healing properties, making them suitable for ointments and balms to treat wounds, cracked and fissured skin, eczema, and athlete’s foot.

 

Topically applied, Myrrh can be useful against joint pain, arthritis, and rheumatism.

 

Both the tincture and essential oil can be used in mouthwashes or toothpaste for maintaining oral hygiene and health, combating gum infections, gingivitis, oral ulcerations, sore throat, and aphonia. For domestic use, preparing a solution for oral rinses and gargles based on 2 drops of Myrrh essential oil and 2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil (or alternatively Lemon for a gentler effect), previously diluted with 10-12 drops of 96% food-grade alcohol, can be interesting. Mix vigorously before rinsing to ensure homogeneous dispersion of the essential oils.

 

In the case of colds, mucus, and sore throat, Myrrh essential oil can be helpful in both fumigations and syrups for its balsamic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic effects. Against colds, bronchitis, or coughs, a mixture for fumigations with 2 drops of Myrrh essence, 2 of Eucalyptus, and 1 of Scotch Pine, well mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda, can be poured into a basin of hot water for inhalations twice a day.

 

A similar preparation can also be used for warm foot baths, again to counteract colds, mucus, and coughs: a teaspoon of baking soda to which 3 drops of Myrrh essential oil, 3 of Eucalyptus, 2 of Oregano, and 2 of Scotch Pine are well mixed.

 

Face and body: As an astringent and antiseptic, its use in face creams is interesting to remove impurities, reduce sebaceous secretions, soothe inflammation, prevent wrinkles, and counteract acne and boils.

 

In body creams, it has a firming, toning, astringent, healing, and circulation-stimulating effect, making it useful as a skin regenerator and against stretch marks. Useful also for damaged, oily hair and on the scalp in case of inflamed and irritated skin.

 

It is a good antifungal; for this purpose, a mixture for touches consisting of 15 ml of vegetable oil, such as jojoba or almond, 5 drops of Myrrh essential oil, 5 of Tea Tree, and 4 of Lavender can be prepared.

 

Other uses: Myrrh essential oil, as a base, is used both as a fixative and as a component of fragrances and perfumes, but also in soaps, detergents, and cosmetics, especially in products that want to enrich with an oriental note.

 

It is also present as a flavoring agent in many primary foodstuffs and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Notably, Myrrh stimulates gastric activity, promotes food digestion, and nutrient assimilation. So, in addition to imparting a particular aroma to food, it can aid digestion.

 

Recommendations for the use of myrrh essential oil

 

It’s important to note that essential oils, in general, are highly concentrated compounds, and even a small amount can lead to undesirable effects. When considering internal use, it is always advisable to consult with a knowledgeable professional or your healthcare provider. Caution is also crucial when applying myrrh essential oil topically, as these molecules, due to their small size, can be easily absorbed by the skin. Using excessively high doses may risk sensitization or dermatitis. Myrrh essential oil should not be applied to damaged skin, and it should be kept away from mucous membranes and eyes to prevent strong irritation.