The reputation of myrrh in aromatherapy is unassailable.
Yet not so many know of its great health and medicinal benefits.
In ancient Egypt and other countries in ancient Middle East, myrrh was used as perfume.
But in ancient Greece and China myrrh has been used already as a medicine.
Myrrh essential oil is from a small tree mainly found in the Somalia, Egypt and the Red Sea area.
Its scientific name is commiphora myrrha.
Myrrh was used in religious ceremonious during the ancient times.
In fact, myrrh was said in the bible as one of the gifts of the three magi when they visited the child Jesus.
Church scholars and mystics said that myrrh is a prefiguration of the death of Jesus Christ since myrrh was used then for burial and embalming.
Due to antimicrobial and inflammatory properties, myrrh was used to aid the healing of wounds.
This is one of the reasons that even today myrrh is an important ingredient in most alternative medicines.
The myrrh essential oil is derived from steam distillation of its harvested resin.
In ancient times, resin was derived from the cracks of its tree.
Nowadays the myrrh resin is derived from man-made cuts of cultivated myrrh tree, just like any other resin.
The benefits of myrrh essential oil are innumerable.
Because of its anti viral and anti fungal properties, myrrh essential oil is good for skin diseases.
It is said to be a very powerful antioxidant and can even cure wrinkles.
That explains the popularity of the benefits of myrrh essential oil.
As a beauty regimen, it can help cure skin infections, mumps, measles, pox and other skin diseases.
Myrrh essential oil is also widely used for stopping haemorrhage.
That is why according to some legends; no ancient Greek soldier ever went to war without bringing some myrrh with them.
The myrrh essential oil is antimicrobial and can be used as an astringent.
It is said that it helps in strengthening the gums thus help also in making the teeth stronger.
Its aromatic flavour, though bitter, can be used to prevent and even cure thrush and be used as a mouthwash.
Myrrh oil can also be used for relation for its warm earthy, woody and balsamic scent.
It can easily be mixed with other essential oils to produce a more calming aromatic scent.
But like anything used in excess, myrrh can be mildly toxic if taken in an overdose.
Pregnant women are advised against using myrrh because it helps in contractions.
In ancient times, myrrh was used on women who had menstrual problems.