Commiphora spp (Myrrh)

Question 1

How do you recognise Myrrh?

Answer 1

Native to the horn of Africa and Arabia. A spiny shrub or small tree with trifoliate leaves and thorns.
Famous from the Bible. Resin is v hard, gummy, bitter.

Question 2

What are Myrrh’s main constituents?

Answer 2

Constituents:
* Resins rich in triterpenes including commiphoric acid
* Essential oil including sesquiterpenes and furanosesquiterpenes
* Phytosterols (not in C. Myrrha)
* Gums
* Bitter substances

Question 3

What family is Myrrh in?

Answer 3

A member of the Burseraceae.

Question 4

What is Myrrh good for?

Answer 4

Summary: Used in incense, perfume & as an embalming agent as well as in medicine for a very long time. Re a medicine, **Bendle uses a tincture/ topical, using it mainly for mouth ulcers, and a gargle. **

Actions:
* Antimicrobial.
* Anti-parasitic.
* Anti-inflammatory.
* Immune system enhancer.
* Astringent.
* Vulnerary.
* Antispasmodic.
* Carminative.
* Emmenagogue.
* Expectorant.
* Anodyne in local action.

Applications:
* For inflamed mucus membranes – mouth ulcers, gingivitis.
* Pharyngitis, tonsilitis, sore throats.
* Toothache.
* Topically for cuts and boils - powdered myrrh after washing the wound (or a slice of onion).
* Modern research has focused upon anti-parasitic actions internally, especially against fascioliasis and schistosomiasis.
* Gastritis, dyspepsia.
* Used for diabetes in Saudi Arabia.
* Possibly useful in hypothyroid conditions but mixed reviews.

Question 5

What is Myrrh’s Latin name?

Answer 5

Traditionally listed as Commiphora molmol, now called C. myrrha but resin is also collected from other species. There are nearly 200 species in the genus.

Question 6

What parts of Myrrh do you use?

Answer 6

Resin extruded from damaged bark

Question 7

What safety issues might Myrrh have?

Answer 7

• Dosage: very variable – refer to video.
• Can cause an allergic dermatitis in some people.
• Emmenagogue – contraindicated in pregnancy internally.

Question 8

What useful research does Myrrh have?

Answer 8

External links:
* EMA Assessment report on Commiphora molmol Engler
* The Effects of Commiphora Myrrh Mouthwash Verses Chlorhexidine on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Comparative Study.

Question 9

What remedies might you use Myrrh in?

Answer 9

• Myrrh and Slippery Elm for a possible drawing ointment, though latter is expensive
• 50/50 mix with Liquorice tincture for mouth wash or ulcers.