The Health Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil
If you’ve been reading about essential oils for a while now, then there’s a good chance you’ll have heard of myrrh.
This resinous oleo-gum resin has been used since ancient times; its properties are so magical that even the word itself is derived from the Greek ‘Myron’ meaning ‘odor of anointing unguents’ and ‘more’ meaning ‘anointing oil.
What is Myrrh Essential Oil?
Myrrh essential oil is a reddish-brown, thick viscous liquid derived from the gum resin of various species of the Commiphora genus, a spiky-leafed desert shrub. Myrrh is a part of the Burseraceae family.
It is considered a “natural perfume,” having a sweet and balsamic scent commonly used in incense, perfumes, and other uses as a medicine.
The myrrh plant is harvested from trees at least 25 years old to get the gum resin. It takes approximately 2,500 pounds of myrrh resin to make just one pound of essential oil.
A small amount of essential oil is extracted from the gum resin to create a concentrated liquid.
Myrrh for Skin Care
Myrrh oil has been used for centuries to treat skin ailments, including acne, sunburn, psoriasis, and eczema. It also has properties that help protect the skin from UV rays and aging and can even help remove excess oil in the pores.
The antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of myrrh make it an excellent choice for treating acne. It can reduce inflammation, help with redness, and prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
Myrrh can also help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage, helping to avoid skin aging.
Myrrh for the Hair
Myrrh oil can effectively treat various hair issues, especially dandruff. It can be used as a psoriasis treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, which aid in the healing of infections such as scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which cause red, flaky patches of skin that are itchy.
Most hair issues are caused by excess scalp oils that build up and clog pores, leading to dandruff, which can be treated with myrrh oil.
In addition to promoting hair development, it can be used to assist in preventing hair loss. Myrrh can also reduce hair frizz, making it an excellent choice for those with curly hair.
Myrrh for the respiratory system
Myrrh has been used as a natural treatment for the respiratory system for centuries. It has long been used to treat coughs, colds, and bronchitis and is still used today to help fight off infections.
Myrrh is an expectorant that helps to loosen and break up mucus, making it easier to cough out of the lungs.
This also helps to reduce coughs and ease breathing. It is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which makes it an excellent choice for fighting infections.
Myrrh essential oil can be taken internally and applied topically, making it versatile. The most common ways of using myrrh include:
- Inhaling the steam from boiling water with the essential oil added.
- Applying diluted oil to the chest and back.
- Ingesting a few drops diluted in water.
Myrrh for Digestion and Stomach Issues
Myrrh is an excellent choice for treating stomach issues due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can help treat problems such as indigestion, bloating, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and even stomach cancer. Myrrh can also be taken to prevent stomach issues as well.
Taking a few drops of myrrh daily can help prevent stomach ulcers and other pregnancy-related digestive problems, including nausea and vomiting.
Myrrh can be taken in various ways, such as by drinking a few drops of essential oil in water. It can also be applied topically to ulcerated areas of the stomach by mixing a few tablespoons of powder (more than the essential oil) with a small amount of water until it forms a paste and then applying it to the stomach.
Buying Tips for Finding Quality Myrrh Oil
When shopping for myrrh essential oil, ensure it’s labeled “myrrh” and not “myrtle.” Myrtle essential oil is usually a blend of several different oils, but myrrh is derived from the gum resin of one tree species.
Myrrh oil should have a rich aroma that may be slightly sweet or resinous. It should also be a reddish-brown color, as it will be darker if it’s not high quality.
Myrrh essential oil is a little more expensive than other essential oils, so check for sales or look for high-quality brands.
You can find high-quality brands on Amazon, health food stores, or aromatherapy retailers.
FAQs on Myrrh Essential Oil
What is myrrh essential oil?
Myrrh essential oil is a reddish-brown, thick viscous liquid derived from the gum resin of various species of the Commiphora genus, a desert shrub. It has a sweet and balsamic scent and is used in incense, perfumes, and medicine.
How is myrrh essential oil extracted?
The myrrh plant is harvested from trees at least 25 years old to get the gum resin. It takes approximately 2,500 pounds of myrrh resin to make just one pound of essential oil.
How does myrrh oil benefit the skin?
Myrrh oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, which make it an excellent choice for treating acne. It also helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage, protecting the skin from UV rays and aging.
How does myrrh oil benefit the hair?
Myrrh oil treats various hair issues, especially dandruff. It reduces excess scalp oils, prevents hair loss, promotes hair growth, and can reduce hair frizz.
How does myrrh oil benefit the respiratory system?
Myrrh is a natural treatment for respiratory issues. It has been used to treat coughs, colds, and bronchitis and is also used to fight infections. Myrrh helps to break up mucus, reduce coughs, and to ease breathing.
Can myrrh oil be ingested?
Myrrh essential oil can be ingested in a few drops diluted in water. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before ingesting any essential oils.
How does myrrh help with digestion and stomach issues?
Myrrh can help treat indigestion, bloating, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and even stomach cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
What should I look for when buying myrrh essential oil?
When shopping for myrrh essential oil, ensure it's labeled "myrrh" and not "myrtle." It should have a rich aroma and a reddish-brown color.
Where can I find high-quality myrrh essential oil?
You can find high-quality myrrh essential oil on Amazon, health food stores, or aromatherapy retailers.
Why should I consider adding myrrh essential oil to my collection?
Myrrh is a very beneficial oil with many uses. Its sweet aroma and healing properties make it a must-have in any essential oil collection.
Interesting Facts
Myrrh was one of the gifts that the three wise men brought to baby Jesus in the biblical account of the nativity.
Myrrh is derived from the Greek 'Myron,' meaning 'odor of anointing unguents' and 'more,' meaning 'anointing oil.'
The Myrrh plant must be at least 25 years old to produce the gum resin from which the essential oil is extracted.
Ancient Egyptians used myrrh in the embalming process due to its antimicrobial properties.
It takes approximately 2,500 pounds of myrrh resin to produce just one pound of essential oil.
Related Studies
Myrrh and Frankincense
This study explores the various medicinal uses of myrrh and frankincense, including their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27117114/
The Healing Properties of Myrrh
This article details the healing properties of myrrh, especially regarding its antiseptic properties and uses in treating digestive and respiratory problems. Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/42928023
Myrrh in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
This study provides evidence supporting the use of myrrh in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701890
Antifungal Activity of Myrrh
This study delves into the antifungal properties of myrrh, an essential aspect of its application in skin care. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3768615/
Anxiolytic Effect of Myrrh
This study explores the anxiety-reducing effects of myrrh, making it beneficial for mental health.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881113513851
Conclusion
Myrrh essential oil has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for centuries.
It has an earthy, warm, rich, and sweet aroma that has been described as earthy, spicy, resinous, and a bit medicinal.
It is a great oil to use in a diffuser when you’re stressed, anxious, or during negative energy or emotions. It can be used topically to treat various issues related to the respiratory system, skin, hair, and digestive system.
Myrrh is a very beneficial oil with many uses, making it a great essential oil in your collection. Its sweet aroma and wonderfully healing properties make it a must-have!
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