Myrrh Pure Essential Oil (5ml)

Name: Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha, Balsamodendron myrrh

Manufacturer: Natural by Nature

Size: 5 ml

Concentration: 100% concentrated and pure

Powerfully comforting, fortifying, elevating and inspiring to the soul. An aromatic that has truly stood the test of time

About Myrrh Essential Oil: One of the best choices to support meditation, myrrh will assist when you are feeling mentally lethargic or lacking incentive. A real boost to the body's glandular system, this oil is ideal for a wide range of skin conditions and can facilitate speedy recovery from illness.

Description of Aroma: Hot, balsamic, camphorous, smoky and slightly musky, this scent is typical of good quality incense. 

Ruling Planet: Sources vary from the Moon, the Sun and Jupiter.

Properties Beneficial To The Mind, Emotions And Spirit: The pronounced comforting and elevating action of myrrh can provide inspiration for your meditation. Fortifying and uplifting to the soul/spirit, it may help relieve feelings of apathy and weakness, and inspire you if you are lacking the incentive to do something. It is also said to cool heated emotions. 

Of Interest: Native to North East Africa, myrrh has been utilized in many ways by many people for at least 3,000 years. It was probably the most widely used aromatic in ancient times for incense, medicine and perfume - even though its scent is certainly not the sweetest. It is an excellent fixative - and has been used extensively in religious ceremonies and rituals since the highest antiquity. The Egyptian papyrus, the Indian Vedas, the Bible and the Koran all mention the numerous uses of myrrh in medicine, perfumery and in ceremonies. 

In Egypt myrrh was called phun, and in Heliopoli (in Greek 'City of the Sun') it was offered to the sun god Ra, at midday, as part of their sun-worshipping rituals. Also used extensively in perfumes and incense by the Egyptians, they employed it particularly for embalming, primarily to fill the stomach cavity. According to Greek mythology, myrrh was believed to have originated from the tears of Myrrha - daughter of Cinyrus, the king of Cyprus - who had metamorphosed into a shrub. One of the most celebrated perfumes in ancient Greece was called Megaleion - meaning splendour or grandeur - and included myrrh among its ingredients. Greek soldiers took a vial of myrrh into battle to help stem the blood when they were wounded.

Myrrh is mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments, specifically as one of the gifts brought by the Three Kings to the infant Jesus. Ironically, it is believed that myrrh was also given to him on the cross mixed with wine. When Joseph was sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelites, their caravans were carrying myrrh to Egypt. The history of myrrh is closely tied to that of frankincense, both having been among the precious medicines reserved for embalming, fumigating, anointing and public worship. The myrrh tree is also to be found in the Garden of Eden - part of Babylonia in the time of Moses - situated between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. 

In Arabia people employed myrrh for conditions such as wrinkles and dry, chapped or infected skin. It has been an ingredient in many elixirs, unguents and antidotes, and The Book of Esther mentions its use in the purification of women. It was among the many aromatic solutions added to early liqueurs - called herbal wines - which were primarily taken for health and therapeutic purposes, although subsequently they passed into general consumption. Thirteenth century poets spoke of them rapturously as being delicious and indispensable at festivities of any kind.

Myrrh belongs to the same family as frankincense, and this hardy shrub grows in tropical desert areas - the most extreme of climates. Gum exudes from incisions or natural fissures in the tree bark or wood, which is then distilled. Sometimes it is collected from the beards of goats who eat the tasty leaves. 

This oil contains one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes, a class of chemical compounds having a direct effect on the hypothalamus, amygdala and pituitary gland of the brain - possibly why it has such a profound effect on the emotions. Myrrh has also been used to treat leprosy and is listed in the current British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. It is used in dentistry and added to therapeutic tooth pastes.

Properties Beneficial To The Physical Body: Myrrh has a very strong drying and cooling astringent action on the body, along with anti-microbial properties. Especially recommended for oral and nasal concerns such as mouth ulcers, gum disease and sinusitis, it is also helpful with digestive problems like indigestion and stomach upsets, and also numerous respiratory complaints. 

Greatly beneficial for gynaecological concerns, it is said to have a balancing effect on the glandular system. This may benefit prostate and hypothyroidism, and possibly glandular fever. Myrrh is believed to stimulate white corpuscles, invigorate the immune system and speed recovery from illness. It has also been used with T.B. 

Where myrrh really excels is in the realm of skin-care. It is effective with eczema, psoriasis, athletes foot, wounds, chapped, dry or inflamed skin, acne and boils, ringworm and bed sores. Try adding it to foot lotions for painful cracked heels. It is also said to preserve a youthful complexion - and if it works for those mummies...

Myrrh Oil Blending Suggestions: Try blending myrrh with benzoin, clove, frankincense, galbanum, lavender, patchouli and sandalwood. Don't be afraid to mix it with any others that appeal to you.

Alternative Suggestions For Use: Myrrh makes an effective mouth wash and breath freshener. 

Essential Safety Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy as it can encourage menstruation, and also with an over-active thyroid. Otherwise myrrh is considered a relatively safe oil. You may need to warm the bottle slightly before pouring as the consistency is quite thick. This also makes it less useful as a bath oil as it does not dissolve well.

Do not use essential oils undiluted or take internally without the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The information contained here is for general interest and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment

More About Natural by Nature
Natural by Nature Oils was established in 1974 and were one of the first companies to promote aromatherapy in the UK. Since then their reputation and expertise in producing high quality essential oils has grown and they are now recognised as one of the leading authorities in this field. Founder, Franzesca Watson is also an author and broadcaster and founded the International School of Aromatherapy in 1991.

They are against animal testing of any kind on all cosmetic products and their ingredients. They have never tested their products on animals, and do not use any animal derivatives or by-products. All their packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable where possible.