MYRRH (SMYRNA) resin

Myrrh / Myrrh resin

It is the resin of a tree belonging to the Burseraceae family and the species Commiphora myrrha . It is a plant native to East Africa (Somalia, Yemen). Etymologically it comes from the Arabic word "mur", which means bitter.

It is a shrub, reaching 5m in height and characterized by hard, thorny branches, which are covered with scattered leaves. White or green flowers grow from the shoots. It grows in limestone soils and is sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Myrrh is a rust-colored resin extracted from trees of the Commiphora or Balsamodendron species. It has a strong characteristic odor and a bitter and astringent taste. Myrrh contains essential oil among its components.

The Egyptians used it in their embalming and ancient Egyptian housewives burned it to get rid of fleas. Myrrh was also burned in the temples of Isis.

In China it is called MoYao and has been used since the Tang Dynasty (60 AD) mainly for wounds, to relieve swelling. Myrrh oil was distilled from the resin and used since the time of Ancient Greece for wound healing.

It is used today as a disinfectant and its alcoholic tincture for washing open wounds (alcohols and terpenes). It is also added to toothpastes and perfumes. Myrrh promotes circulation and increases heart rate.