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Myrrh
SCIENTIFIC NAME

Commiphora myrrha

BIOTANICAL FAMILY

Burseraceae

COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN

Ethiopia, Somalia, South Africa

PLANT PART

Resin, gum

NOTE

Base

EXTRACTION METHOD

Steam Distilled

AROMA

Sweet, resinous, spicy and earthy

GC/MS REPORT

Sesquiterpenes: Curzerene (42%); Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene (27%)

NOTES ON CHEMICAL COMPONENTS

Curzerene and furanoeudesma-1,3-diene are 2 sesquiterpenes with analgesic, skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

Respiratory system - helps relieve colds, bronchitis, and cough; excellent expectorant. Musculoskeletal system - helps relieve muscolar aches and pains, including arthritis. Skin care - chronic wounds healing, ulcers, eczema, athlete's foot. Reproductive system - uternine stimulant, promoting mentruation and relieving painful periods.

EMOTIONAL/ENERGETIC QUALITIES

Calms overthinking, worry, and mental distraction; promotes inner peace, self-awareness, meditation.

ADMINISTRATION METHOD

Bath, topical application (diluted), and inhalation; myrrh tincture can be used as mouth wash for mild oral inflammation

ETNOBOTANY LORE AND ANCIENT PARTICLES

Ethnobotany Lore and Ancient Practices: The name comes from the Arabic and Hebrew word "mur," which means bitter. Myrrh is the resinous gum that is collected from the myrrh bush when it is wounded or from natural fissures. The bush - native of northeastern Africa and southern Arabia - hase has knotted branches, leaves with three leaflets, and small white flowers. Myrrh was used as far back as 4000 years ago. The Sumerians some 3000 years ago used myrrh as a disinfectant - the Ancient Egyptians used it as incense for religious ceremonies, as one of the ingredients for their perfume "kyphi" and for embalming. Egyptian women used myrrh for their facial regimen to ensure a youthfull complexion, reduce wrinkles, and cooling properties. The Bible, the Koran, Greek and Roman texts all emphasized myrrh's therapeutic properties. It was presented to baby Jesus as a gift, along with gold and Frankincense, and also at his death. In ancient times, myrrh was used to treat colds, coughs, asthma, sore throats, sores, ulcers, mouth infections and gengivitis. It was introduced into Chinese medicine in the seventh century and used to treat conditions related to bleeding, pain, and wounds. In the Middle Ages, it was considered an effective substance against fevers, migraines, magic, and satanic influences.

SAFETY

Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing; contraindicated during pregnancy (as it could be fetotoxic) and lactation

DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult a licensed healthcare specialist for specific medical advice.

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