What is Myrrh?
Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin produced by the myrrh tree (Commiphora myrrha or Commiphora molmol), also known as balsam.This desert shrub is found mainly in East Africa, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Myrrh is part of Christmas mythology. Indeed, it is the gift that the mage king Balthazar offered to celebrate the birth of Christ, while Melchior and Gaspard offered gold and incense. Its use therefore does not date back to yesterday.
In ancient Egypt, it was used to embalm the body of the pharaohs. In ancient Greece, warriors always had it available to alleviate the inflammation and infection of their battle wounds. In China, it is still part of traditional medicine.In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh resin is widely used for its analgesic properties.
Its use asnatural antiseptichas developed throughout the world, mainly in the form ofessential oil.
What does myrrh smell like?
Myrrh is one of the raw materials used in perfumery. It has a warm and balsamic note. Thanks to its aroma, myrrh is often integrated into base notes in oriental perfumes. Its sweet and tenacious fragrance stays on the skin when the other fragrances are gone.
I’myrrh essential oil has a smoky, sweet or sometimes bitter smell. The word myrrh comes from the Arabic word “murr”, which means bitter.
What are the benefits of myrrh?
- The resin of the myrrh tree contains many powerful active ingredients, including sesquiterpenes known for their virtues anti-inflammatories.
- Myrrh also contains triterpenes and furanosesquiterpenes, renowned for their qualities antiseptics, pest control, painkillers and slightly anesthetics. In the Middle East, pharmaceutical preparations based on myrrh have been the subject of several clinical trials. Some have given good results in the internal treatment of various parasitic infections such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, while causing far fewer side effects than commonly used drugs.
- It is rich in antioxidants and boosted THE immune system.
- Myrrh is recommended to cure oral infections (canker sores, herpes, abscess, gingivitis). In the United States, the myrrh has already been part of the official pharmacopoeia: it is used in the form of mouthwash.
- To treat parasites, ENT disorders and respiratory (wet cough, bronchitis…). It can even treat skin problems (sores, eczema, bedsores…) and soothe joint and muscle pain. In Europe, myrrh is incorporated into many medicinal preparations intended to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
- Myrrh would also have a endocrine regulatory actionbeneficial againsthyperthyroidismhowever, it should not be used in people withhypothyroidism.
- Another popular use for myrrh oil is to help relieve digestive issues, such as stomach achethere diarrhea and theindigestion.
- Myrrh would have purifying properties and sanitizing on the air, and it would allow stressed people to feel better relax and relax. This is why the resin is used in fumigation and the essential oil in diffuser.
Where to find myrrh and how to use it?
Myrrh is bought in pharmacyin herbalism or in nature stores. She may be used externally as well as internally. It is presented and used in different ways:
- in resin, soluble in alcohol at 90°, but not in water or fatty substances. It must therefore be dissolved in alcohol where it will macerate before being filtered and then incorporated into an emulsion or a cosmetic balm for example. The resin can also be used in fumigation.
- In essential oil : externallyput 30 drops of essential oil of myrrh in the water of your bath (you will have to use a dispersant for this or mix the essential oil with a shower gel for example) to soothe your rheumatism and skin wounds. You can also use myrrh essential oil diluted in sweet almond oil, and use it as a massage oil to boost morale and fight against anxiety and sadness.
Internallymake gargling with essential oil of myrrh at the rate of 15 drops in 30 ml of lukewarm water. This allows you to treat your oral infections in a natural way. For ENT and respiratory disorders, drink a mixture of 4 drops of myrrh essential oil in 250 ml of hot water three times a day.
- In dye : in cutaneous application on a wound, or in dilution for gargling.
What are the contraindications of myrrh?
Myrrh essential oil should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in children under 6 years old. Moreover, like any essential oil used pure, essential oil of myrrh can cause skin irritation. This is why you are advised to test a few drops in the crease of your elbow beforehand.
As for people with chronic diseases and the elderly, it is best that they seek advice from their doctor before using myrrh..
Sources:
Symptoms, diagnosis and evolution of hypothyroidism, Ameli.fr.
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