Myrrh - Best Herb for Many Health Problems

Commiphora myrrh a Burseraceae

Found mainly in East Africa and Somalia, the commiphora, or myrrh tree has a thick, twisted trunk, that can grow to a height of around 5m.The tiny leaves are made up of two leciflets, each with a spine at its tip. Small yellow-red flowers grow on the spiny branches in summer. In the rainy season, the bark, which ranges in colour from orange to grey, if cut, releases a thick resin or gum.

Parts used

Constituents

Myrrh's essential oil contains furanosesquiterpenes which have an anti-inflammatory effect and also give the wood a rich characteristic scent. The plant's resins are rich in alcohols and triterpenic acids.

Medicinal uses

Myrrh is one of the earliest plants to be put to medicinal use. Its healing powers were widely appreciated in the ancient world, and more recently studies have confirm.ed its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing and analgesic actions. These are often employed in treating minor wounds as well as oral problems, such as inflammation, gum infections and damage caused by dentures.

Myrrh is also known to have the ability to relieve nasal congestion, and is reputed to help ease digestive problems due to trapped wind and muscle spasms.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

TO TREAT inflammation in the mouth, gum infections, damage caused by dentures
TINCTURE (1:5 in 90% alcohol) Put 1 teaspoon into a glass of water. Use up to three times a day as a mouth-wash, or applied directly to the affected area.

Cultivation

Myrrh grows best in well-drained soil, preferably in the sun. It needs Warmth of at least 10°C, so a heated greenhouse is best. Grow from seed in spring, or from a cutting taken at the end of the growing season.

CAUTIONS