The myrrh essential oil employed by aromatherapists comes from a resin produced by the commiphora myrhha tree. This small tree is native to and still primarily grown in Africa. Modern aromatherapy utilizes myrrh essential oil for a variety of reasons, and it has been employed for medicinal purposes dating all the way back to ancient Greece.
Characteristics
Cutting the tree's bark yields a myrrh resin. Steam distilling this resin produces the essential oil used in aromatherapy. The essential oil has a deep pale yellow to almost amber color. Its aroma can best be described as warm, spicy and herbal. Myrrh blends well with other oils such as frankincense, juniper and lavender.
Properties
An essential oil's properties dictate how it gets used in aromatherapy. Myrrh possesses a number of beneficial actions. Aromatherapist Patricia Davis details myrrh's properties in her book, "Aromatherapy: An A-Z." Myrrh works as an antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Julia Lawless writes in her book, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," that myrrh also acts as a slight sedative.
Uses
Myrrh mainly finds use in aromatherapy to fight infections. Davis notes that its antifungal actions make it a good essential oil to use for conditions such as athlete's foot. Ringworm, another common fungal infection, can also be treated with myrhh, according to Lawless. The antiseptic and expectorant actions make myrrh an oil that both Davis and Lawless recommend for fighting respiratory infections. The antiseptic property helps to kill the infection-causing microbes, and as an expectorant it helps you get rid of the mucus buildup.
Methods
You can use myrrh in many different aromatherapy treatment methods depending on the goal. For treating a respiratory ailment, Davis suggests using both a steam inhalation or even in massage oil. Myrrh tends to not dissolve easily, so it doesn't work well as a bath additive. To treat skin conditions, mixing myrrh into a lotion or cream is an easy and effective method.
Cautions
Prior to using myrrh or any essential oil in aromatherapy, you should consult your doctor or a certified aromatherapist. Myrrh is generally safe to use but does have some negative side effects that you need to be aware of and respect. These include diarrhea, heart rate changes and kidney irritation. You must not use myrrh at all if pregnant, and in high doses it can be toxic.
References
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 2000
- "375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols"; Jeanne Rose; 1999
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
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