Uncovering the Ancient Magic & Mystery of Myrrh

From the embalming rituals of ancient Egypt to the sacred altars of religious ceremonies, Myrrh has captivated the imagination and reverence of civilizations for millennia. This aromatic resin, derived from the hardy Commiphora myrrha tree, is a symbol of ancient wisdom, spiritual significance, and traditional medicine. But Myrrh is much more than just a relic of the past – it continues to offer a myriad of health benefits in our modern natural wellness practices today.

In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to explore the rich history and folklore of Myrrh, unraveling the stories and traditions that have elevated it to a token of healing and spiritual significance. We'll dive into the ancient texts and legends that speak of Myrrh's sacred status, from its use by the Egyptians and Greeks to its mention in Biblical tales. We'll uncover the many ways Myrrh can enhance your physical health, from its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the skin, lungs, digestion, and more, to its use in aromatherapy and spiritual well-being. 

You’ll also gain practical guidance on how to incorporate Myrrh into your daily life, including safety tips and herbal preparation ideas. Working with Myrrh can be tricky – and sticky – whether you're trying to burn the resin (it's not as easy as it sounds) or taking on more complex projects like crafting an herbal tincture. If you're looking to create your own Myrrh-infused beauty products, burn it as incense for its aromatic benefits, or apply it topically to soothe and heal, we’re here to provide expert insights and precautions to ensure you can get the most out of your Myrrh resin.

Many people don’t know this, but Myrrh is technically considered an oleo-gum-resin, which is a natural mixture of resin, gum, and volatile oils. Myrrh is generally made up of about 65% gum and 35% resin. Resins and gums are both natural plant exudates, but they have different characteristics. Resins are highly aromatic and mainly composed of terpenes that are soluble in alcohol and oil, while gum is less aromatic (but still therapeutic) and mostly made up of water-soluble polysaccharides. 

​​There are many species of Myrrh resin that vary greatly in their appearance, scent, and medicinal qualities, though the most commonly used varieties come from Commiphora myrrha and C. molmol species. These are deciduous shrubs or small trees native to the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. Their thorny, scraggly branches bear grey-green leaves, giving it the appearance of enduring harsh conditions with its gnarled and twisted trunk. Thriving in ruthless desert environments with scorching sun and minimal water, the tree naturally cracks open as it grows, releasing resin as if offering a gift to the world.

This resin is a sticky, protective substance that acts as the tree's natural defense mechanism, shielding it from infections, insects, and other threats. Often called the "lifeblood of the tree," resin serves as a natural "band-aid," essential for the tree's survival. This sacred aromatic medicine is highly respected and revered for its therapeutic and spiritual properties. Just as Myrrh protects the Commiphora myrrha tree, it also offers protection and purification to our bodies, spirits, and souls.

Understanding the historical context of Myrrh helps us appreciate its enduring legacy and the therapeutic benefits it offers. Myrrh has been cherished for over 5,000 years across ancient cultures, deeply rooted in tradition and folklore. Esteemed for its role in ceremonial, religious, and spiritual practices, it has long been valued as both an aromatic medicine and a protective agent for the body and soul. Throughout history, Myrrh has been featured prominently in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Western herbalism, and ancient Egyptian and Greek medical systems, addressing various ailments and illnesses. 

Myrrh appears in numerous ancient texts, including the Bible and the Torah, underscoring its significance as a revered religious gift. In the Bible, it is mentioned over 156 times, including in the birth and death of Christ. It was one of the 3 gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Wise Men and was used in Jesus’s burial, mixed with Aloes as described in the Gospel According to St. John.

In ancient Egypt, Myrrh was highly prized and used extensively in perfumes, anointing oils, incense, ointments, and embalming. Egyptians burned Myrrh during religious ceremonies, believing its aroma pleased the gods and aided purification and cleansing. It was a key ingredient in healing unguents, soothing wounds and other topical injuries, and was central to the mummification process, earning it the title “Funeral Herb.”

Burning incense is like a rising prayer; as the fragrant smoke drifts up to the heavens, it is believed to carry prayers with it. As an incense, Myrrh is thought to be a conduit to the spirits of the deceased. Myrrh, in particular, has been seen as a way for the living realm to stay connected to and communicate with the spirits in the afterlife. Myrrh is believed to bridge the gap between "Heaven" and "Earth," linking the spiritual and physical worlds. This connection is thought to not only enhance one’s own spiritual awareness but also facilitate communication with loved ones who have passed on to other realms. 

The aromatic medicine of Myrrh is renowned for its ability to evoke a sense of transcendent peace. The resin’s calming aroma has a profound effect on the nervous system, promoting deep serenity and alleviating overthinking, worry, and mental distractions. This makes it a valuable aid for meditators seeking a more focused and profound meditative experience. Myrrh is often used in the form of incense or essential oil during meditation to enhance concentration, dispel negative energy, and elevate one's spiritual experience. Its soothing properties are also known to promote restful sleep, making it a versatile tool for achieving emotional and mental balance.

Myrrh’s purifying qualities extend to the emotional and spiritual realms. It is believed to help release repressed emotions and close emotional wounds, providing solace for sorrow and grief. Just as Myrrh aids in healing physical wounds, its aromatic presence is thought to mend emotional and spiritual scars, offering comfort and closure from loss and rejection. Myrrh aids in creating a sacred environment conducive to spiritual growth and healing.

Since ancient Greek and Egyptian times, Myrrh has been used topically to promote skin health. The Ancient Greeks commonly used Myrrh resin on wounded soldiers to promote healing due to its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-infectious properties. Modern scientific research has confirmed Myrrh’s wound-healing benefits – one study found that it helps to catalyze tissue regeneration and has been shown to increase white blood cell count in the wounded area, which helps fight off infection [1]. 

Additionally, Myrrh's anti-inflammatory and blood-moving qualities make it effective for soothing swelling, bruises, aches, and pains when applied topically. Historically, it has also been used to prevent infection in traumatic injuries and to alleviate pain in bones, tendons, and ligaments, as well as other issues related to blood stagnation. Thanks to its astringent, toning, and anti-inflammatory properties, Myrrh is also commonly used for skin complexion, helping to reduce acne, eczema, skin abrasions, and even hemorrhoids.

In Western herbalism and some ancient medicine systems, small internal doses of Myrrh are considered to be a tonic for the stomach to address chronic inflammation, stomach ulcers, and difficulty digesting. That being said, historically, one of the most common uses of Myrrh for digestive health is in promoting oral hygiene. 

In Ayurvedic medicine, Myrrh has an affinity for supporting oral health, especially when it comes to gingivitis, mouth ulcers, pharyngitis, and laryngitis. For this reason, it is often included as an ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste. As of 2019, ​​the European Medicines Agency lists Myrrh as an official medicine for the “treatment of minor ulcers and inflammation in the mouth” as well as “the treatment of minor wounds and small boils.”

Due to its stimulating and drying actions on the mucous membranes in the respiratory system, Myrrh is known as an expectorant that can stimulate and expel mucus from the lungs. Therefore, Myrrh helps address cold and flu symptoms that can cause the lungs to feel “wet,” phlegmy, congested, and fatigued. It is especially helpful during times of illness when individuals don’t have the energy or “tone” to be able to cough up and expel mucus on their own.

Burning Myrrh resin as incense is a common method for enjoying its aromatic benefits, with deep sacred, religious, and ceremonial significance. Myrrh can be burned in stick or cone form, and incorporated into incense blends, or you can use pure resin on natural incense charcoal – the most popular and traditional method. (You can purchase your own sustainably sourced Myrrh resin here.)

When using incense charcoal, one common mistake is burning it too hot or for too long, which can cause charring and a burnt smell that overshadows Myrrh’s natural, magical aroma. To prevent this, you can control the heat to allow for a slower burn. Resins and gums burn very differently from one another due to their progression of volatility. Remember: Myrrh is an oleo-gum-resin, containing both gum and resin, as well as volatile oils. When Myrrh is burned, the resin melts first, releasing the volatile oils, and then the gum remains. To avoid a charred smell, scrape off the leftover gum with a metal scraper or butter knife once the pleasant aroma shifts. 

Always use a non-flammable surface, such as a metal, stone, glass, or ceramic incense burner, for the charcoal. Before placing Myrrh resin on the charcoal, fully ignite it and let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until a ¼ - ⅓ inch layer of ash forms. This ash layer acts as a heat buffer, ensuring a slower burn and reducing the risk of charring your sacred incense.

Alternatively, you could try the traditional Rice Ash method or an electric burner. For more details on these methods, visit our blog post: 3 Virtually Smokeless Ways to Burn Incense.

Myrrh essential oil is a potent, thick, viscous liquid obtained through steam distillation of the resin. This highly concentrated and potent aromatic medicine requires only a small amount to be effective. There are several ways to use Myrrh essential oil. For a calming effect, simply inhale the aroma directly from the bottle by opening it and holding it about an inch from your nostrils, then take several deep breaths to experience a sense of peace. You can also support your respiratory system by adding 2-3 drops of Myrrh essential oil to an essential oil diffuser, which can be especially helpful during a cold or flu to alleviate congestion.

When applying Myrrh essential oil topically, always dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation or burning. The diluted oil can be used for muscle aches, joint pain, minor wounds, or abdominal massages to relieve menstrual cramps and balance the menstrual cycle. Additionally, Myrrh essential oil can be used as a facial moisturizer, leveraging its historical reputation for restoring and rejuvenating the complexion. It can also be incorporated into herbal salves, ointments, and chest rubs for various topical applications. For more information on how to properly dilute essential oils, refer to our Essential Oil Dilution Chart & Guide.

A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from herbs or other plant materials, usually dissolved in alcohol or another solvent. In Western herbalism, a Myrrh tincture is generally made using 90% alcohol or 180-proof alcohol with a ratio of 1 part Myrrh by weight to 5 parts alcohol by volume. You can find more details and step-by-step instructions on how to make a Myrrh tincture in our online educational hub, the Aromatic Medicine Garden.

Myrrh is not recommended for use during pregnancy, both internally and externally.

When used internally, Myrrh is considered a low-dose herb. Large doses of Myrrh can be problematic and can cause gastric heat, upset stomach, sweating, nausea, vomiting, purgation, and laxative effects. Essential oils should only be used topically – not internally – to avoid irritation and damage to the digestive system. 

*Tinctures are potent herbal preparations and dosage recommendations will vary depending on the individual. Herbal tinctures should not be taken without the guidance of a health professional. Always consult a medical professional before attempting to address or treat a medical condition.

Latin Name: Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora molmol 
Other Common Names: Gum tree, Harabol Myrrh, Karan, Guggul, Bola (Sanskrit), Mo 
Yao (Mandarin) 
Genus: Commiphora 
Plant Family: Burseracea (Torchwood family) 
Parts Used: resin, gum 
Herbal Energetics and Actions: alterative, analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, drying, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, immune stimulant, pungent, rejuvenative, stimulant, stomachic, vermifuge, vulnerary, warming 
Body Systems Affiliations: integumentary (skin), digestive, respiratory, and 
genitourinary systems 
Aroma: sharp-balsamic, slightly medicinal-smelling top note; which then turns into a 
deep, sweet, warm-spicy aroma

Dive into the ancient world of aromatic plants with the Materia Aromatica ebook, an in-depth guide to the medicinal and therapeutic, spiritual, and aesthetic uses of the world's favorite incense plants. This rare resource offers detailed plant monographs and explores how incense has been used across cultures for healing, ritual, and pleasure.

Video featuring Erika Galentin, MNIMH, RH

Text Written By Melissa Szaro

1. Haffor, A.S. Effect of Commiphora molmol on leukocytes proliferation in relation to histological alterations before and during healing from injury. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2010 Apr;17(2):139-46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730704/

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*The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are for educational purposes only. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician before you use this information for health purposes.