Essential oils are aromatic substances extracted through distillation, which contain the active chemical properties of the plant. They are commonly used in holistic health practices such as aromatherapy and herbal medicine. Myrrh essential oil has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes. While the herb myrrh is a botanical generally recognized as safe by the FDA, consult a health care practitioner when using it for medicinal purposes.
Topical Wound Treatment
Myrrh essential oil is believed to have analgesic, antiseptic and astringent properties. In a 2010 study by the Department of Radiological Science at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia, researchers found that myrrh was specifically able to increase white blood cell counts in laboratory rats being treated for skin injuries and gastric ulcers with myrrh. It also appeared to have properties that enhanced the immune responses involved in wound healing. Myrrh essential oil may be applied directly to a wound or mixed with a carrier oil and massaged into the affected area. Individuals with sensitive skin should avoid using essential oils. Check with your dermatologist before using myrrh topically.
Anti-Cancer and Immune-Boosting Properties
Myrrh is also used to treat bronchitis, colds, coughs and digestive problems and to stimulate the immune system. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that sesquiterpene, a constituent of myrrh, is thought to have free radical-scavenging abilities, and that it has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Myrrh may be able to help protect the body against free radical damage and help prevent cancer. For both infectious conditions and to enhance immune function, myrrh extracts and essential oils are taken internally. However, MSKCC warns that it should not be taken by pregnant women, as it can have abortifacent effects. Consult a trained practitioner for appropriate use of myrrh.
Natural Mouthwash and Gargle
Myrrh essential oil mixed with water has long been used by herbalists as a natural mouthwash and gargle in the treatment of mouth sores, infections and sore throats. MedicinalPlants cites a 2003 study that investigated the effects of myrrh oil on a number of key cells implicated in gingivitis. Researchers found that low concentrations of myrrh oil reduced gingival inflammation associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. The typical preparation is three to five drops in a glass of warm water, used to gargle or as mouthwash.
Natural Parasite Treatment
Myrrh essential oil may also be effective against several common parasites, including Schistosomiasis, a common parasite in the Far East, and Fasciola hepatica, found in Europe, China, Africa and South America. Human foscialiasis, an infection caused by eating fasciola parasites found on watercress, causes biliary obstruction and liver damage. According to MedicinalPlants, one field study found that high doses of myrrh, up to 1,200 mg daily, cleared the parasite in 94.1 percent of infected people. It also explains that myrrh essential oil appears to act as a natural mosquito pesticide by killing mosquito larvae. Internal preparations to treat parasites use myrrh extracts, while external preparations and insecticides use myrrh essential oil. Check with your doctor before taking myrrh either internally or externally.
References
- "Journal of Immunotoxicology"; Effect of Myrrh (Commiphora Molmol) on Leukocyte Levels Before and During Healing From Gastric Ulcer or Skin Injury; A. Haffor; March 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Myrrh
- MedicinalPlants: Myrrh: Clinical Use
- MedicinalPlants: Myrrh: Other Uses
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