You have probably heard of myrrh because the Bible tells us that Jesus was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh by the three astrologers who came to visit him after they saw the Christmas star.
Known as Commiphora myrra in Latin, myrrh is actually a resin from a tree native to hot and dry regions of eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
Myrrh trees grow to about nine feet tall with knotted branches that end in sharp spines. The bark develops cavities and sometimes wounds, into which pale yellow secretions accumulate. Over time these secretions turn into a hard, reddish-brown mass about the size of a walnut.
Myrrh is used today to make incense and perfume, and was used in ancient times as an embalming agent for corpses and as an important ingredient of the incense burned in ancient Jewish temples. The Bible relates that Moses used an oil that contained mryyh to annoint priests.
Medicinally, myrrh is aromatic and antiseptic and can be used as a mouthwash for sore gums, bad breath, and loose teeth, and as a gargle for sore throats. The tea is also taken as an expectorant for coughs, asthma, and for any chronic lung condition where there is no fever.
Myrrh tea acts to improve digestion and ease indigestion. It can also fight kidney and bladder infections. It is an immune enhancer as it stimulates white blood cell production, and is strengthening to the spleen and the lymphatic systems. To make the tea, steep one teaspoon of the powdered resin in a pint of boiled water for about five minutes. The dose is one teaspoon, six times a day, and not with meals.
NOTE: Use myrrh in moderation - - large doses may cause irritation to kidneys and diarrhea. Do not ingest myrrh while pregnant.
Myrrh can be applied externally to sores as a wash. Since it has the tendancy to seal a wound and prevent damage, it should only be applied to wounds that are not yet infected and that have been carefully cleaned.
