Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the species Commiphora myrrha. Another commonly used name, Commiphora molmol, [4] is now considered a synonym for Commiphora myrrha. [5]

Myrrh has a locally stimulating action on smooth muscle tissue and may stimulate peristalsis. Morton 1977, Spoerke 1980 By contrast, T-cadinol has a concentration-dependent smooth muscle relaxing effect on isolated guinea pig ileum and a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cholera toxin–induced intestinal hypersecretion in mice. Claeson 1991Myrrh ( / m ɜːr/; from an unidentified ancient Semitic language, see §Etymology) is a gum- resin extracted from a few small, thorny tree species of the Commiphora genus, belonging to the Burseraceae family. [1] Myrrh resin has been used throughout history in medicine, perfumery, and incenses. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. [2] [ citation needed] Extraction and production [ edit ] Commiphora myrrha tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvested In a field survey in Egypt, 1,019 individuals were examined for schistosomal infections. The prevalence of S. haematobium was 4%, and the prevalence of S. mansoni was 2%. All cases were treated with 600 mg of Mirazid (the oleo resin extract from myrrh [C. molmol]) 1 hour before breakfast for 6 consecutive days. Patients were followed and assessed for parasitic infections via urinalysis and stool analysis. After 3 months, the parasitological cure rate was 97% and 96% for S. haematobium and S. mansoni, respectively. Patients did not experience any adverse drug reactions. The authors of this study suggest that Mirazid is safe and effective for the treatment of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections. Abo-Madyan 2004 Myrrh may interact with warfarin and other coumarin derivatives, resulting in a reduction in the international normalized ratio (INR). Adverse Reactions The combination of myrrh and frankincense is especially popular — not only because of their complementary scents but also because of their synergy, or interaction that produces even greater benefits.

Massoud A, El Sisi S, Salama O, Massoud A (2001). "Preliminary study of therapeutic efficacy of a new fasciolicidal drug derived from Commiphora molmol (myrrh)". Am J Trop Med Hyg. 65 (2): 96–99. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.96. PMID 11508399. The name "myrrh" is also applied to the potherb Myrrhis odorata, otherwise known as " cicely" or "sweet cicely".Al-Jaroudi D, Kaddour O, Al-Amin N. Risks of myrrh use in pregnancy. JBRA Assist Reprod 2016;20(4):257-8. View abstract. Su S, Wang T, Duan JA, et al. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Commiphora myrrha. J Ethnopharmacol 2011;134(2):251-8. View abstract. Previous studies have indicated that myrrh acts as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and a circulatory and immune system stimulant. 3– 5, 11, 12 It has also been shown to stimulate plasma cell production and induce angiogenesis and, therefore, remodeling within 7 days of an injury occurring. 27, 28 Accordingly, myrrh may be potentially useful in the induction of wound healing and repair. Myrrh is also used to prepare the sacramental chrism used by many churches of both Eastern and Western rites. In the Middle East, the Eastern Orthodox Church traditionally uses oil scented with myrrh (and other fragrances) to perform the sacrament of chrismation, which is commonly referred to as "receiving the Chrism".

Tinctures are herbs extracted into an alcoholic solution. They are created by soaking herbs (officially called the macerate) into an alcoholic liquid (officially called the menstruum).Myrrh gum has often been claimed to reduce the symptoms of indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, respiratory congestion, arthritis, and cancer. [10] Religious ritual [ edit ] In Ancient Egypt and Punt (Horn of Africa) [ edit ] Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammation ( 12).

One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68% ( 6). Eid RAA. Efficacy of Commiphora myrrh mouthwash on early wound healing after tooth extraction: A randomized controlled trial. Saudi Dent J 2021;33(1):44-54. View abstract. El-Sherbiny GM, El Sherbiny ET. The effect of Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) in treatment of trichomoniasis vaginalis infection. Iran Red Crescent Med J 2011;13(7):480-6. View abstract. As the resins in myrrh do not readily dissolve in water, the best way to prepare myrrh is in tincture form. Tinctured myrrh is typically made in a 1:5 ratio meaning 1 part myrrh and 5 parts menstrum. The menstrum used in this particular tincture is 90% ethanol alcohol, and 10% water. The tincture preparation of myrrh is indicated for use as a gargle or mouthwash. 5 to 10 drops (one-sixteenth to one-eighth of a teaspoon) added to 8 ounces of water is the standard dosage for both these uses. Myrrh tincture can also be applied straight on sore gums, lip or mouth tissue up to three times daily. The diluted tincture, which can be made or bought commercially, can be used as a skin wash or as a vaginal douche for thrush. Amounts for these applications vary (E Drug Digest). The tincture of myrrh can also be used for infections, feverish conditions from head colds to glandular fevers, respiratory conditions and as an ingredient in expectorant preparations (Purple Sage). It can also be used undiluted as a paint for ulcers and wounds (Heilpflanzen).Excessive ammonia is particularly dangerous because it provokes the over-production of nitrogen and oxygen free radicals. Free radicals steal electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, leading to cell damage. The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments by Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay, Alan Keith Tillotson, O.M.D., L.Ac., Nai-shing Hu Tillotson, and M.D., Robert Abel Jr. al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, et al. Anticarcinogenic effect of Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice. Chemotherapy 1994:40:337-47. View abstract. The combination of frankincense and myrrh often has better therapeutic outcomes on diseases than either entity alone. It has been proposed that chemical composition changes take place when frankincense and myrrh are combined, such as increases or decreases in the main active ingredients, disappearance of native chemical components, and emergence of new chemical components. Cao 2019 Uses and Pharmacology