Myrrh

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Myrrh / Myrrh / is a plant with a sweet smell, which reaches a height of 1.5 m. The stem of myrrh has a slightly purple color, and its leaves are feathery, fern-like, with white spots and a head with small white flowers.

Myrrh grows in open wooded areas and barren rocky places. Rather, it resembles a large bush. It grows in Somalia and Ethiopia, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula. As an herb and medicine, myrrh was known 4,000 years ago.

History of myrrh

The resin from myrrh has been valued since ancient times due to its valuable aroma and healing properties in the treatment of severe wounds. The Egyptians used it as a main ingredient in the embalming of mummies. Myrrh was so prized that its value was equal to gold. It has been used in many places around the world in religious ceremonies.

This herb is mentioned even in the Bible, it is known in winemaking in ancient times. Roman and ancient Greek healers prescribed myrrh for irregular menstruation and digestive problems. It is used as a cure for various infections, including syphilis.

The herb was also very common in Chinese folk medicine. Healers have prescribed it for arthritis, rheumatism, circulatory problems, menopause and even uterine tumors. Myrrh is known even in Ayurveda. In antiquity, myrrh was used for incense in religious rituals and ceremonies, such as those dedicated to the goddess Isis.

Composition of myrrh

The main chemical components of myrrh are cadine, α-pinene, citric, eugenol, acetic acid, formic acid, various other acids and sesquiterpenes. Myrrh contains triterpenes, volatile oil, flavonoids.

Selection and storage of myrrh

Myrrh can be found on the market in the form of essential oil and as a dietary supplement in the form of tablets. Myrrh resin can be purchased from online stores, but the price is quite solid. The essential oil should be stored in a dark and dry place, away from children.

Benefits of myrrh

We have seen that over the centuries myrrh is used to treat various diseases. Nowadays, the herb is used as a very good antimicrobial agent, which has been proven to work in two complementary ways. Firstly, it stimulates the production of white blood cells and secondly - it has a direct antimicrobial effect. It is used to treat infections in the mouth - ulcers and inflammation of the gums. The herb is effective in pharyngitis and sinusitis.

Myrrh can help with common colds, as well as laryngitis and respiratory complaints. It warms the body and increases its defenses against colds. Lowers high body temperature. Relieves muscle contractions and spasms. It serves for very good prevention of cardiovascular diseases because it reduces the levels of bad cholesterol and works against internal blood clots, which can cause a heart attack.

Myrrh has a very good gas-repellent and antifungal action, treats eating problems such as parasites and diarrhea. Myrrh oil is soothing and antispasmodic, which makes it suitable for people suffering from arthritis, eczema, hemorrhoids, cracked skin, cuts and even wrinkles. Myrrh is traditionally applied against aging skin.

Myrrh has good expectorant properties, in addition it soothes the stomach very well. The root is a good antiseptic, and a decoction of it can be used to treat dog and snake bites.

In Germany, the drying and mildly analgesic effect of myrrh is used to treat wounds caused by pressing prostheses on the limbs.

Used in the past and now as incense, myrrh purifies the space and provides mental protection, but it should still be used in combination with other herbs. In ancient Egypt, they used a fragrant mixture of kifa, the composition of which included wine, honey and resins, including myrrh.

Other incense with which you can combine myrrh are pine resin, lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, juniper.

Myrrh has a very good psycho-emotional impact. It calms thoughts and removes anxiety, removes confusion in thoughts and allows a person to cope well with difficult situations. Normalizes sleep, eliminates depression and the consequences of nervous breakdowns.

Harm from myrrh

Be careful with the essential oil of myrrhbecause it is highly concentrated. It is best to perform an individual tolerance test before use. Myrrh should not be used by pregnant women because it is a uterine stimulant and can cause premature birth.