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Herbal Remedies With Myrrh

Apr 23, 2011 | By Shamala Pulugurtha
Herbal Remedies With Myrrh
Photo Credit Bottles of herbal spa oils and flowers - health and beauty. image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com

Myrrh is a pale-yellow, viscous liquid obtained from the cracks in the bark of Commiphora myrrha and Commiphora molmol plants. It is air-dried into a hard, reddish-brown mass with white patches. The sterol and steroid-rich essential oils of the myrrh gum-resin possess immense medicinal value and have been used historically to treat a variety of conditions. It is available in tincture, tea and powder form and is generally safe to use, although mild side effects such as skin irritation may sometimes occur. Always consult a doctor before using a myrrh product to determine if it is right for you.

Cholesterol

Some animal studies, such as the one published in a 2009 edition of the "International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health," have indicated that the rust-colored myrrh resins may help to lower your levels of triglycerides and LDL or bad cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, these benefits have not been proved in clinical cases. Hence, it is important to consult a doctor before using myrrh to lower cholesterol.

Cancer

According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, myrrh supplements inhibit the growth of tumors in the laboratory by reducing calcium, potassium and sodium levels in the cancerous cells. Myrrh also has the ability to scavenge harmful free radicals, which may contribute to cancer by interacting with the DNA and proteins of the healthy cells. However, clinical trials are lacking and more research may be needed before myrrh can replace existing cancer medications.

Wounds

Another study published in March 2010 edition of the "Journal of Toxicology" suggests that myrrh may help to enhance and maintain white blood cell levels in the blood, and may help to induce the immune response during wound healing. This was also an animal study. Although the researchers believe that similar benefits may be seen in humans, it is best to talk to a physician before using myrrh for wounds and ulcers.

Infections

Drugs derived from the myrrh tree are safe, well tolerated and effective in treating fasciolosis, a parasitic infection that affects the kidneys, liver and lungs, report researchers of a small, preliminary study published in the August 2001 edition of the "American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene." Drugs.com also states that myrrh can help to treat infections caused by parasites, such as schistosome species as well as bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Inflammation

Gum-resins such as myrrhanol A possess significant anti-inflammatory properties and are more effective than hydrocortisone in treating inflammation in animals, says I. Kimura, author of a study published in the April 2001 edition of the journal "Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letter." Drugs.com also states that myrrh may reduce the inflammation of gingival epithelial cells but recommends more research to prove these benefits.

Diabetes

Myrrh supplements can lower blood glucose levels and reduce the rate of gluconeogenesis or synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in animals, says Drugs.com. However, more clinical trials are needed before myrrh can be used to treat or manage diabetes.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Apr 23, 2011

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