Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Location: The myrrh tree grows in the deserts of northeast Africa and southern Arabia.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the gum resin.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is a deep golden-yellow colour, turning deep amber with age. It has a musky, balsamic, smoky aroma.
Description: A small tree with knotted branches, small leaves and white flowers. The resin exudes from the natural fissures in the bark and dries on exposure to the air.
Background: Myrrh is famous, together with frankincense and gold, as the gifts brought by the three Magi from the east to Jesus when he was born. It is mentioned several times in the Bible. Myrrh is an important ingredient in the famous perfume 2megaleion" of ancient Greece.
Properties: Antiseptic, cooling, tonic, stimulant, sedative.
Uses
Respiratory System-A very good expectorant, of value in coughs, colds, flu especially when there is an excess of mucus. An excellent remedy for throat and mouth inflammations and ulcers.
Skin- Cooling to the skin, myrrh is good for mature skin, helping preserve a youthful complexion. Very useful in a hot, dry climate. Good for cracked chapped skin.
