Myrrh
(Commiphora myrrha; C. Molmol)
Family: BURSERACEAE
Energetics: Warming. Drying.
Taste: Bitter. Spicy.
Tissue States: Damp, Stagnation. Laxity.
Systems Affected: Heart. Liver. Spleen.
Parts Used: Gum resin.
Key Components: Volatile oil (as much as 17%). As high as 40% Resins & Gums.
Preparations & dosage: Powder. Tincture at a 1:5 ratio in 95% alcohol used diluted for mouth rinses and gargles). Essential oil. Teas are rarely if ever used due to its intense and nasty flavor.
Actions:
Foundational: Astringent. Stimulant. Aromatic.
Primary: Carminative. Emmenagogue. Expectorant. Vulnerary. Blood mover.
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Antiseptic.
Uses:
Indicated by a pale, damp tongue that is very flabby, digestive heaviness and indigestion.
Breaks up and moves stagnation in the blood.
Acts on the skin and the mucous membranes.
Matched for internal infections on relaxed tissues.
Salve combined with goldenseal makes a antiseptic and healing salve for all kinds of wounds such as bedsores, hemorrhoids and injuries. Especially effective when used on infected sores or wounds. A good indication for use is if you notice a putrid or bad smell coming from the wound. Best used tinctured in rubbing alcohol or distilled witch hazel. Works as an antimicrobial in 2 different ways the first is by stimulating the production of white blood cells and the second by having a direct effect on the offending microbe.
Use a tincture of myrrh and cayenne diluted as a mouthwash for damp, lax spongy gums.
Gargle with the same when an antiseptic astringent is needed for a sore throat. Laryngitis.
Mix powder into a tooth powder recipe (10%).
Guugul made from the gum is helpful for both osteo and rheumatic arthritis complaints as well as arteriosclerosis.
Respiratory problems: Bronchitis and asthma, etc with weak lungs that have difficulty expelling mucus.
Very small doses are useful for stimulating weak and cold digestion problems. Combines well with other bitters such as gentian. Look for a large pale tongue. Mucus in stools and gassiness.
Specific for diabetes type 2 because as a stimulating astringent, it reduces urine secretion and stimulates cells which in turn stimulates blood sugar and the uptake of insulin.
Combines well with: Echinacea. Gentian.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy due to its emmenogogue properties. In preparations other than guugul it is best taken for short periods of no more than 2 weeks as it can irritate the kidneys. Best in formulas with demulcent herbs to counteract the intense astringency. While rare it has been known to cause contact dermatitis in some people. Those who have sensitive stomachs or anyone taking in large doses, it may cause stomach upset so take in small doses and combined with other herbs.
Sources:
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 165-166
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 290
The Earthwise Herbal Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 205-208
Studies:
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