First mentioned as a top 3 three gift for The Baby Jesus, Myrrh is one of the most ancient and widely used oil across the globe. Once you find out what Myrrh is and where Myrrh comes from, you'll find that Myrrh is more than just a Holy Baby Shower gift.

How is Myrrh made?

Myrrh, commiphora myrrha, is related to frankincense and is produced from a Myrrh Tree. The Myrrh Tree is a small thorny bush that is native to Northern Africa and Arabia. The Tree produces sap that hardens into resin.

Myrrh oil is extracted from the resin via steam distillation and smells like a dry, woody aroma with smoky, earthy and herbaceous notes.

Why is Myrrh considered to be significant?

Myrrh was a priceless commodity along ancient trade routes, and at one point was considered more valuable than gold. The resin was traditionally burned over hot coal resulting in a warming, woody and sweet smoke that was enigmatic and used during spiritual and ritual practice, often associated with the birth-death-rebirth cycle, embodying the profound journey of transformation.

What does Myrrh represent?

Myrrhs perfume was used to anoint dead bodies and has been highly valued in many cultures over thousands of years and continues to be a precious and highly regarded oil even today. It is used for medicinal, therapeutic and cultural/religious purposes.

Does Myrrh have Medicinal Benefits?

Myrrh is Antifungal and Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Catarrhal (helps eliminate excess mucus from the body). It helps calm inflamed tissue and promotes wound healing by protecting from infection.

Myrrh is also an expectorant that reduces the effects of respiratory issues. It can help alleviate:

• coughs and colds
• congestion
• bronchitis
• phlegm

It is an excellent essential oil to keep in your medicine cupboard.

Can Myrrh be Used Orally?

Myrrh essential oil is an antiseptic and can be used as a gargle to cleanse the mouth and throat, and for good oral hygiene. You could:

1. Add a few drops to half a glass of water and use as a mouth rinse
2. Add a drop or two to your toothpaste.

Note: Myrrh can be consumed safely in doses of 400 mg three times daily for up to 12 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But taking large doses of myrrh is possibly unsafe. 

Myrrh has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in some studies. If you do plan to consume Myrrh, please do discuss this with a medical professional first - especially if you are pregnant.

Are there Myrrh Oil Benefits for the Skin?

Myrrh helps with a Youthful Look

Myrrh oil may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and can have a soothing effect on the skin, helping it to look more youthful.

• Add a few drops to your daily moisturiser to start seeing the benefits.

Using Myrrh as an After Shave

Myrrh is great for soothing skin after shaving.

• Combine with lavender, helichrysum, tea tree, and frankincense oil to keep the skin calm and prevent any reaction to razors.

Myrrh Being Applied Nail Care

It is also good for nail care, often used to soften and moisturise cuticles.

• Add to your nail cream or balm.

Can Myrrh Oil be used in haircare?

Myrrh can help strengthen your roots and also improve scalp condition, getting rid of dandruff, improving hair loss and also stimulating the brain.

When to Use Myrrh in Aromatherapy?

Myrrh can help:

• reduce negative emotions and reduce tension
• promote emotional balance and wellbeing
• provide upliftment and peace
• promote awareness

It is ideal to use in a yoga studio or meditative space.

Great in massage therapy, myrrh is anti inflammatory, has antioxidant properties and will promote deep relaxation of muscles and tissue.

What blends well with Myrrh Oil?

Oils that blend well with myrrh: frankincense, cypress, geranium, patchouli, rose, clove, sandalwood, citrus oils, lavender, juniper berry and even eucalyptus and jasmine.

What are some Myrrh Recipes?

Myrrh is one of those very high-end ingredients that gives an air of luxury to any product they are added to.

It is commonly used in some of the more expensive skincare and beauty brands, but you can easily incorporate it into your cosmetics to give a similar feel and benefit. Add it to your base cream or shampoo to give your skin and hair an extra boost and pamper or incorporate it into your own DIY product. Here are a few recipes.

Myrrh Foot Bath

Suffering from tired feet that have been cooped up in closed shoes? Adding a few drops of myrrh to a foot bath is a great way to rejuvenate as well as clear up any blisters, Athlete's Foot, infections and other common foot problems. Plus it is wonderfully relaxing!