Myrrh

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) was one of the most desired and sought after items in the world. It is mentioned in the Bible more than 20 times, it was used as incense in religious rituals throughout the ancient world, and it promotes spiritual awareness and is uplifting. The anti-infectious nature of Myrrh plays an active role in many of today’s herbal formulations. The bacteriostatic and antiseptic properties of myrrh have been experimentally verified in both North America and China. The oleo-gum-resin is antiseptic to mucous membranes, and, curiously, both inhibits over secretion as well as disinhibits under secretion of these tissues. Thus, it normalizes mucous membrane activity. Myrrh is known to contain many volatile oils which make the herb ideally suited for promoting free breathing during congestive colds, and for clearing out mucous-clogging passages in the body. Grieve’s classic ‘A Modern Herbal’: Myrrh – ‘A direct emmenagogue, a tonic in dyspepsia, an expectorant in the absence of feverish symptoms, a stimulant to the mucous tissues, a stomachic carminative, exciting appetite and the flow of gastric juice, and an astringent wash.’ ‘It (Myrrh) is used in chronic catarrh, phthisis pulmonalis, chlorosis, and in amenorrhoea is often combined with aloes and iron. As a wash it is good for spongy gums, ulcerated throat and aphthous stomatitis, and the tincture is also applied to foul and indolent ulcers. It has been found helpful in bronchorrhoea and leucorrhoea.’ ‘It has also been used as a vermifuge. Myrrh is a common ingredient of toothpowders, and is used with borax in tincture, with other ingredients, as a mouth-wash. Meetiga, the trade-name of Arabian Myrrh, is more brittle and gummy than that of Somaliland and has not its white markings. The liquid Myrrh, or Stacte, spoken of by Pliny, and an ingredient of Jewish holy incense, was formerly obtainable and greatly valued, but cannot now be identified. Dosages—10 to 30 grains. Of fluid extract, 5 to 30 minims.’ King’s 1898 Dispensatory: ‘Myrrh is stimulant, especially to mucous tissues. It also exerts an antiseptic influence, and is used to promote expectoration, as well as menstruation. It has also been used as a vermifuge. Internally, the smaller doses promote digestion. Large doses accelerate the pulse, augment the heat of the body, cause gastric heat and burning, great sweating and marked prostration; occasionally it causes nausea, vomiting, and purgation. It is not antispasmodic, and is contraindicated in internal inflammations. It is generally used in enfeebled conditions of the body, and has been found useful in cases of excessive mucous secretion, as in gleet, chronic gonorrhoea, and chronic catarrh; also in laryngitis, bronchitis, humoral asthma, and other diseases of the air-tubes accompanied with profuse secretion, but expelled with difficulty. Its property of restraining the mucous discharges is observed to be most pronounced upon the renal and bronchial tract.’ ‘As an expectorant, it acts best by combining it with such agents as squill, giving to both an increased force possessed by neither alone. Chronic respiratory disorders are the cases for its exhibition, it being indicated in chronic bronchitis with unhealthy and exhausting secretions, relaxed mucous tissues, and difficulty in raising the sputa. It is contraindicated by arterial excitement or fever. For use in the above condition, the following combination, an excellent alterative expectorant and stimulating tonic, is recommended by Prof. Locke: Rx Syr. prunus virg., syr. senega, aa flij; Comp. tinct. of myrrh and capsicum flii. Mix. Sig. Teaspoonful every 3 hours. The same may also be used in the asthma of the aged. Cough and expectoration are lessened, the secretions reduced in quantity, and the consequent exhaustion incident to profuse expectoration prevented. Besides, it acts kindly on the stomach, and otherwise sustains the strength of the patient.’

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Alternative Health & Herbs Myrrh Gum Powder ( Commiphora myrrha ) – 4 oz