Myrrh resin is formed when a wound is made through the tree bark and into the sapwood. Over time the tree oozes out a sticky, golden yellow resin which is the part that we use in medicine. How has it been used? A measure of how prized Myrrh was in ancient times is how it was one of the three gifts to Jesus on his birth Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. There are numerous other Biblical references to Myrrh including the Song of Solomon in which 'a bundle of Myrrh is my well-beloved unto me he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts'.
Ancient Greek and Roman physicians used Myrrh to treat wounds and prescribed in internally as a digestive aid and menstruation promoter. Myrrh has been extensively used in Chinese medicine as a blood moving herb with particular benefits to people with arthritis and rheumatism. In Ayurvedic medicine Myrrh is also considered one of the best agents for helping rheumatism and is also seen as having benefits to the circulatory system.
In Ayurveda they see Myrrh as a tonic and aphrodisiac and it has a reputation to improving intellect. Myrrh has been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in incense and perfumes and the resin was used for embalming.
Chinese researchers have identified substances in Myrrh that fight bacteria and Indian scientists have discovered that the herb has anti-inflammatory actions.
H Felter writes 'Myrrh is the best local application for spongy and bleeding gums. The tincture may be diluted with about 6 to 10 parts of water. It may also be used with benefit when the throat is sore and exhibits sloughing ulcers, and in chronic pharyngitis with tumid swollen , pallid membranes and elongated uvula.
In spongy, enlarged tonsils it is an ideal topical medicine'. He also says that, internally, 'it is of much value in chronic bronchitis with relaxation of tissues, profuse, unhealthy and exhausting secretion and difficulty in raising the sputa'. F Ellingwood writes 'in its influence upon the digestive apparatus Myrrh is direct in its action. It quickly increases the power of the digestive function, stimulating the peptic glands to extreme action.
It increases the appetite and promotes the absorption and assimilation of nutrition. It is given in atonic dyspepsia in the absence of inflammatory action, especially if there is excessive mucous discharge from the bowels'.
King's Dispensatory writes ' Myrrh is of value in chronic gastritis and atonic dyspepsia with full, pallid tongue and mucous tissues, and with frequent, mucous alvine discharges accompanied with flatulence. Here myrrh and gentian act well, the dose of the combination of equal parts of these tinctures is from 5 to 20 drops. Chronic mucous fluxes, from the bowels or urinary tract, are benefited by myrrh.
Myrrh was formerly used as a dressing for indolent ulcers to promote granulation and alter the character of the discharges. It was at the same time given internally also. Topically, it is a very useful application to indolent sores, gangrenous ulcers, and aphthous or sloughy sore throat, spongy or ulcerated conditions of the gums, caries of the teeth, etc.
In chronic pharyngitis, with tumid, pallid membranes, elongated uvula, and spongy, enlarged tonsils, it is an exceedingly useful topical agent'.
The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia BHP describes the actions of Myrrh as 'antimicrobial, astringent, carminative, expectorant, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, vulnerary' It says it is indicated for 'apthous ulcers pharyngitis, respiratory catarrh, common cold and topically for wounds and abrasions.
Specifically indicated for mouth ulcers, gingivitis and pharyngitis' The BHP recommends a dose of Ancient Egyptian relief of Myrrh trees. Science on Myrrh. Research date indicated that the extract killed off all of the cancer cells in laboratory dishes'. Safety of Myrrh Myrrh is generally regarded as very safe to use by both the young and old and during breast-feeding.
Small doses, such as used in the throat formula as shown below, are sure to be safe in pregnancy but large amounts should be avoided i. A small percentage of people get a contact allergy from Myrrh mostly from its essential oils so if using externally and a red rash forms soon after using it then it should be discontinued and an alternative treatment sought. Myrrh is a potent, strong tasting and fast-acting herb, especially in tincture form which is how we usually use it.
I think it should not be taken straight but rather well diluted in water or mixed in with a herb like Licorice root to soften its entry into the body! General comment on herbal safety All medicinal herbs that have the power to do good have the potential to do harm. The old maxim 'the poison is in the dose' precisely describes how too much of anything can be bad for us.
The ancient rule to 'firstly, do no harm is, to this day, held as the core directive by all practitioners of traditional herbal medicine. You can also add a drop or two of myrrh oil to unscented lotion or moisturizer before you apply it to your skin. Some people add myrrh oil to products used for massage.
Avoid applying the oil to sensitive areas, including your eyes and inner ears. Wash your hands with soapy water after handling essential oils to avoid accidental exposure to delicate areas. You can add 3—4 drops of myrrh oil to a diffuser to distribute the oil as a fine mist into the surrounding air.
One simple trick is to apply a few drops of myrrh oil to the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper. When someone uses it, a bit of the aroma will be released. The earthy aroma of myrrh oil blends well with spicy, citrus, and floral essential oils , such as frankincense, lemon, and lavender, respectively.
The combination of myrrh and frankincense is especially popular — not only because of their complementary scents but also because of their synergy, or interaction that produces even greater benefits. In test-tube studies, combined myrrh and frankincense oils improved their effectiveness against infectious bacteria and other microbes. Like other essential oils, myrrh oil is very concentrated, so you only need a few drops at a time.
Additionally, no one should swallow myrrh oil, as it can be toxic Some people should be especially cautious with myrrh oil and may need to avoid it entirely. Bear this in mind if any of the following conditions apply to you 45 , 47 :. In addition to its pleasant, warm, and earthy scent, myrrh oil may also have several health benefits. Studies suggest that it may help kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microbes.
It may also support oral health, help heal skin sores, and ease pain and swelling. If you want to try myrrh oil, dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it to your skin, or diffuse it to inhale the aroma. You can also buy products, such as mouthwash and ointments, that contain the oil.
Essential oils are claimed to offer many health benefits. This article explains everything you need to know about essential oils and their health…. You may not need to head to your doctor's office the next time you need antibiotics. Here are five natural antibiotics you can try at home. Lavender, lemongrass, wintergreen, and other essential oils have been proven to treat many conditions. But are essential oils effective treatments for….
Essential oils can help with symptoms of a poison ivy rash, including pain, itchiness, and swelling. Learn about the most effective oils and how to…. Boswellia is an herbal extract that may reduce inflammation in people with conditions such as arthritis and asthma. It may also inhibit cancer growth…. Essential oils, and other oils, may help reduce the appearance of scars by regenerating the skin cells of damaged skin.
Some oils also have…. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. Aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Find out which essential oils you can use for anxiety symptoms. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.
Here are 11 science-based health benefits and uses of myrrh essential oil. Share on Pinterest. Kills Harmful Bacteria. Summary Myrrh oil has been used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered that microbes cause contagious illnesses.
It may have an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria. May Support Oral Health. Though time has passed, you will find that Myrrh oil is still a great option for wellness. More importantly, by buying essential oils from doTERRA, you are assured that each bottle is safe to use at home and around your loved ones.
Once you receive your bottle of Myrrh oil, you might be looking for new ways to use it. Read on to learn about the wide uses and benefits of this essential oil. Native to regions in Africa and Arabia, the Commiphora myrrha is a small tree that produces a sap that hardens into the resin known as myrrh. Typically a thorny tree or shrub, the myrrh tree produces few leaves and rugged, angled branches. Due to its highly aromatic nature, myrrh has been used since ancient times for medicine, perfumery, incense, religious purposes, and burials.
When extracted, sap from the myrrh tree, also referred to as myrrh gum, eventually hardens and dries into myrrh resin. Through steam distillation, myrrh resin is converted into an essential oil with a dry, woody aroma. Due to its chemical design, Myrrh oil has proven to be helpful for cleansing, improving the appearance of skin, and promoting grounding feelings or the balancing of emotions.
The sesquiterpene ethers in Myrrh oil are known for their soothing properties, which is why Myrrh is useful for soothing the skin or soothing emotions. One of the primary sesquiterpene ethers in Myrrh oil, curzerene, is commonly added to skin care products because of its ability to improve the appearance of skin. Myrrh can be categorized as one of the wood essential oils.
0コメント