Myrrh essential oil is definitely an oil that you should be using!

Do you like to learn about new essential oils?

Then myrrh oil should definitely be at the top of your list! It is an amazing oil that contains so many benefits. It also has a pretty awesome history!

 

Why You Should Use Myrrh Essential Oil!

Scientific Name

First let’s look at the scientific name of the Myrrh that I use.

It is Commiphora myrrha.

This might not seem important, but trust me, it is!

As I mentioned in my post: Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil, some essential oils have lots of different species. Some of these species can be harmful.

So it is important when purchasing an essential oil to make sure that you read the full scientific name so that you know what you are getting.

For example, eucalyptus essential oil is an oil that I use on my kids for respiratory concerns and immune support. But, some varieties of eucalyptus essential oil can actually stop a small child’s breathing! We’ll discuss this more when we discuss eucalyptus in a future post.

Myrrh Oil

What is myrrh essential oil and where does it come from?

Myrrh oil is a red-brown sap-like substance that is extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree. When harvested the tree is “wounded”. The resin that the tree bleeds is what the gatherers are seeking. This resin or sap is then steam distilled to obtain the myrrh essential oil that we use.

The myrrh oil that I use is harvested from Yeman. It is also native to parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Somalia, Eritrea and eastern Ethiopia.

What does myrrh smell like?

What does myrrh look like?

Myrrh oil is a dark colored oil with an amber hue. It has a clean warm scent with a hint of spice.

A good quality myrrh essential oil will also harden and calcify around the lid of your bottle. This makes it difficult to open sometimes, but it is also an assurance that your Myrrh is pure and of excellent quality! Myrrh is the only essential oil to do this.

Myrrh Essential Oil History

Myrrh was used in ancient Egypt in ceremonies as incense. It is also an ingredient that was used in Egypt in the famous kyphi perfume.

Myrrh also has a long history of therapeutic and medicinal use in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional Chinese medicine.

Where else do we hear of Myrrh being used in history?

The Bible

I immediately think of the biblical references to Myrrh.

I know that a lot of people that have never used Myrrh are still familiar with it due to the Bible and the birth of Jesus. Myrrh, along with Frankincense and gold,  was one of the gifts that the wise men brought to baby Jesus.

If you would like to read more about Frankincense essential oil then read my post Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil.

Matthew 2:11 reads: And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Old Testament of the Bible is also full of Myrrh references as well.

In Genesis chapter 37 the Bible tells the story of how Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites. The Ishmaelites had camels bearing spices, balm and Myrrh and were carrying them down to Egypt.

Also, when Joseph’s father sent his other sons down to Egypt during the famine he sent gifts of balm, honey, spices, Myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.

In Exodus God instructs Moses to create a holy anointing oil. One of the ingredients that God instructs him to use is liquid myrrh.

So you can see that in Bible times Myrrh was prized and very valuable!

Myrrh is mentioned in the Bible a total of 17 times!

How awesome is it that we can know what myrrh smells like?!

Myrrh essential oil benefits

So now that we’ve discussed name, origin, scent and a few history facts, let’s delve right into what Myrrh essential oil is used for and how it will benefit you!

Let me first say that I am not a doctor!

All of the information that I provide on this site is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe.

Please read my disclaimer page and/or the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for a full disclaimer statement.

According to Be Young Total Health’s Desk Reference, myrrh essential oil has many uses.

The Desk reference states that it has been studied as an effective aid for sinusitis and ailments such as laryngitis, gingivitis and mouth ulcers.

I personally use myrrh oil for mouth sores. Even my husband now comes to me whenever he has a gum or mouth sore asking for Myrrh! We have experienced excellent results. If you accidentally bite your cheek or lip while eating, pull out the Myrrh!

I also use Myrrh in my Mouthwash recipe.

Myrrh oil has also been historically used to to assist the body in skin repair, wounds, coughs, congestion and PMS. You can learn more about this from Jennifer Pressimone, owner of JennScents Institute, in her Introduction to Holistic Aromatherapy Course.

I love to use Myrrh oil in my skin care products.

It is excellent and nourishing to the skin, making it especially valuable for reducing wrinkles. I include Myrrh in my Skin Spot Reducer Blend, and my Moisturizing Facial Blend as well.

If you would like to make these recipes for yourself then be sure to check out the Essential Oil Recipes for Beauty & Body Care Binder! It contains these recipes plus so many more that, as an Aromatherapist, I have been asked to create for clients over and over again. Trust me, they will change your life!

For additional ways to use Myrrh essential oil read: 10 Incredible Uses For Myrrh Essential Oil!

Contraindications

A contraindication is a medical reason for not using something.

In this case it is a medical reason for why you should not use Myrrh Essential Oil.

Below are a list of possible contraindications.

Pregnancy: Taking Myrrh by mouth during pregnancy is unsafe and should be avoided. Myrrh can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage. There isn’t enough information known to rate the safety of using myrrh on the skin during pregnancy, so until more is know, it’s best to avoid this use.

Fever: Myrrh might make a fever worse. Use with caution.

Heart Probelms: Large amounts of Myrrh can affect heart rate. If you have a heart condition, get your healthcare provider’s advice before using Myrrh.

Surgery: Since Myrrh might affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using Myrrh at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Uterine Bleeding: Myrrh seems to be able to stimulate uterine bleeding, which is why some women use it to start their menstrual periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, Use Myrrh with caution, since it might make this condition worse.

Medications for Diabetes: Taking Myrrh along with diabetes medication might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Warfarin (Coumadin): Taking Myrrh might decrease how well warfarin (Coumadin) works to slow blood clotting. This could increase the chance of blood clotting.

Quality

You also want to make sure that you are using a good quality Myrrh.

As an Aromatherapist I would never recommend buying an essential oil at a local store.

I can almost guarantee you that it is not a pure oil. There are no government regulations on essential oils, so an oil can be diluted by up to 50% and still be marketed as a pure oil.

Which Brand of Essentials Oils Should I Use?

Make sure that you know and trust your source.

If you have a brand that you feel confident in you can use that.

If you aren’t sure about where to get Myrrh oil or if you would like to check out the brand that I use, you can find it on my business website Healing Blends For Life.

 

Where to Buy at discounted prices!

If you are interested in learning how you can buy my preferred brand of essential oils at a discounted price check out my Essential Oil page!

I hope you enjoy myrrh essential oil as much as I do!

Also please come back after using myrrh oil and comment below with your opinion of the oil!

What do you like most about myrrh oil? Did you experience any results after using myrrh oil? If so what were they? Do you have any additional uses to add to the above list?

If you would like to learn about more essential oils then check out one of these posts:

Why You Should Use Frankincense Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Dill Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Turmeric Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Geranium Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Birch Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Cypress Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Helichrysum Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Clove Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Ginger Essential Oil!

Why You Should Use Nutmeg Essential Oil!

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

You can read my full disclaimer here.