Myrrh

Myrrh- Also known as Commiphora Myrrha (Holmes), Balsamodendron Myrrha, gum myrrh tree, Commiphora resin, Guggul gum or resin, Gum Myrrh, Heerabol

Myrrh is a red-brown resinous material, the dried sap of the tree Commiphora Myrrha; its name is derived from the Hebrew murr or maror, meaning “bitter”.  Myrrh is the resin of a tree, Commiphora Myrrha, which commonly in South Arabia and Somalia. It grows in the Yemeni mountains west of Hadramawt as well as Dhofar and Asir. The trees grow up to nine feet high; they have rough bark and thorny branches.  Myrrh was used in ancient times to preserve mummies. It was also used as a remedy for numerous infections, including leprosy and syphilis. Herbalists for relief from bad breath and for dental conditions also used myrrh.

In ancient Egypt myrrh has been used for centuries as a material in incense, perfumes, and for embalming and fumigations.  In folk tradition it was helpful to cure muscular pains and in rheumatic plasters; it has been used to treat bleeding disorders and wounds in traditional china. In China, it has been used since at least 600B.C., primarily as a wound herb and blood stimulant.

Properties include:

·  Anti microbial

·  Anti fungal

·  Astringent

·  Tonic

·  Stimulant

·  Carminative

·  Stomachic

·  Anti-catarrhal

·  Expectorant

·  Diaphoretic