Myrrh Essential Oils
Myrrh is a natural, aromatic, sap-like resin or “gum” that is derived from the small, thorny Commiphora myrrha tree, which is related to the Frankincense tree. In aromatherapy, Myrrh Essential Oil is known to offer relief for colds, congestion, coughs, bronchitis, and phlegm. It is also well known for its extensive health benefits to heal wounds, combat pain, inflammatory conditions, e.g., arthritis and obesity, and to treat infections, including leprosy and syphilis.
Myrrh contains chemicals that might reduce pain and kill bacteria. It's used worldwide but is especially popular in China and Egypt. People use myrrh for back pain, diarrhea, parasite infections, wound healing, and many other conditions.
Google explains that when used topically, Myrrh Essential Oil facilitates the fading of unwanted blemishes on the skin, soothes itchiness, and reduces symptoms of eczema among other skin ailments. It effectively cleans, moisturizes, and tightens the skin, thereby reducing and preventing further chapping, cracking, and sagging.
Interesting bit of knowledge, Myrrh Oil was also used during mummification rituals because it helped preserve the body by warding off bacteria and reducing odor. In traditional medicine, Myrrh essential oil is still widely used today to reduce inflammation or as an antiseptic to treat skin wounds and skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis.
Myrrh contains chemicals that might reduce pain and kill bacteria. It's used worldwide but is especially popular in China and Egypt. People use myrrh for back pain, diarrhea, parasite infections, wound healing, and many other conditions.
Google explains that when used topically, Myrrh Essential Oil facilitates the fading of unwanted blemishes on the skin, soothes itchiness, and reduces symptoms of eczema among other skin ailments. It effectively cleans, moisturizes, and tightens the skin, thereby reducing and preventing further chapping, cracking, and sagging.
Interesting bit of knowledge, Myrrh Oil was also used during mummification rituals because it helped preserve the body by warding off bacteria and reducing odor. In traditional medicine, Myrrh essential oil is still widely used today to reduce inflammation or as an antiseptic to treat skin wounds and skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis.
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WebMD says, Myrrh oil is one of the oldest essential oils in recorded history. It’s mentioned in Biblical texts, it’s an important part of Ayurvedic medicine in India, and it’s been found in ancient Egyptian tombs that are more than 2,000 years old. It’s known for its rich, smokey, and sweet scent, and science is beginning to study it for potential health benefits.
Historically, myrrh oil has been used as a folk remedy for conditions such as:Science has begun to find that myrrh oil may actually provide benefits for some of these conditions. |
According to Healthline article titled "11 Surprising Benefits and Uses of Myrrh Oil", (the following is an excerpt):
You may be familiar with myrrh from Biblical stories even if you’re not sure what it is.
Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree — Commiphora myrrha, also known as C. molmol — that is native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia (1Trusted Source, 2).
A steam distillation process is used to extract myrrh essential oil, which is amber to brown in color and has an earthy scent (3).
Myrrh has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Scientists are now testing the oil’s potential uses, including for pain, infections, and skin sores (4Trusted Source).
Here are 11 science-based health benefits and uses of myrrh essential oil.
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1. Kills Harmful Bacteria
Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils to embalm mummies, as the oils not only provide a nice scent but also slow decay. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, in Biblical times, myrrh incense — often in combination with frankincense — was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.
One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68% (6Trusted Source).
Preliminary animal research suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill bacteria (7Trusted Source).
In test-tube studies, myrrh oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones (3, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).
In one test-tube study, myrrh oil at a low dilution of 0.1% killed all dormant Lyme disease bacteria, which can persist in some people after antibiotic treatment and continue to cause illness (11Trusted Source).
Still, more studies are needed to determine whether myrrh oil can treat persistent Lyme infections.
Summary Myrrh oil has been used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered that microbes cause contagious illnesses. It may have an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria.
2. May Support Oral Health
Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammation (12Trusted Source).
Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA (13Trusted Source, 14).
What’s more, when people with Behcet’s disease — an inflammatory disorder — used a myrrh mouthwash to treat painful mouth sores four times daily for a week, 50% of them had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of their mouth sores (15).
Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque (12Trusted Source).
Yet, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral-care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic (15).
Additionally, if you have oral surgery, it may be best to avoid myrrh mouthwash during healing. A test-tube study found that stitches — especially silk ones — can degrade when exposed to myrrh, though they held up in the doses typically found in mouthwash (16Trusted Source).
Summary Some natural mouthwashes and toothpastes contain myrrh oil, which may help relieve mouth sores and gum inflammation. Never swallow these products.
3. Supports Skin Health and May Help Heal Sores
Traditional uses of myrrh include treating skin wounds and infections. Today, scientists are testing these applications (17Trusted Source).
One test-tube study of human skin cells found that an essential oil blend containing myrrh helped heal wounds (18Trusted Source).
Another study noted that myrrh and other essential oils applied via baths helped mothers heal skin wounds from vaginal deliveries (19Trusted Source).
However, multiple oils were used simultaneously in these studies, so the individual effects of myrrh for wound healing are unclear.
Specific studies on myrrh oil are more telling.
A test-tube study on 247 different essential oil combinations found that myrrh oil mixed with sandalwood oil was especially effective at killing microbes that infect skin wounds (20Trusted Source).
Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot (17Trusted Source).
Human research is needed to confirm these benefits. However, if you want to try myrrh for general skin health, many natural ointments and soaps contain it. You can also apply diluted myrrh oil directly on your skin.
Summary Applying diluted myrrh oil on your skin may aid wound healing and fight microbes that can cause infections. The oil may also deter the growth of skin fungi, including ringworm and athlete’s foot.
4. Combats Pain and Swelling
Pain — such as headaches, joint pain and back pain — is a common complaint.
Myrrh oil contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors and tell your brain you’re not in pain. Myrrh also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain (1Trusted Source, 2, 21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
When people prone to headaches took a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh’s pain-relieving compounds, their headache pain was reduced by about two-thirds during the six-month study (23).
Further research is needed to confirm these benefits. The supplement tested isn’t available in the US, and ingesting myrrh oil is not recommended.
Summary Myrrh oil contains plant compounds that may temporarily relieve pain by signaling your brain that you’re not in pain. It may also block your body’s production of inflammatory chemicals that lead to swelling and pain.
5. May Be a Powerful Antioxidant
Myrrh may be a powerful antioxidant, a compound that combats oxidative damage. Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and some diseases. A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Additionally, in an animal study, myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure (26Trusted Source).
It isn’t known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically — which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people — helps protect your body against oxidative damage.
Summary Test-tube and animal studies show that myrrh oil is a powerful antioxidant and even more effective than vitamin E. However, human studies are needed.
6. Kills Some Parasites
You can become infected with parasites from many sources, including pets, sexual activity and contaminated food or water (27Trusted Source). Two common parasitic infections in the US are trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, and giardiasis, an intestinal infection (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
In a preliminary study, women who failed to respond to standard drug treatment for trichomoniasis were given an oral drug, Mirazid, made of myrrh sap and its essential oil. About 85% of them were cured of the infection (31Trusted Source).
Additionally, an animal study found that the same myrrh drug effectively treated giardiasis (32Trusted Source).
Some human research suggests that this myrrh drug also may be effective against the parasite Fasciola gigantica, which can cause liver and bile duct diseases. However, other studies failed to see a benefit (33, 34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source, 36).
Mirazid is not widely prescribed at this time.
Though more research is needed, myrrh and its oil may prove helpful for treating parasites, especially in cases of drug resistance. Ingesting myrrh oil is not advised, and long-term safety must be assessed (37Trusted Source).
Summary Preliminary studies suggest that a myrrh-containing medicine may help treat some common parasites, but more research on its effectiveness and safety is needed..
Other Potential Benefits
Scientists are testing other potential uses for myrrh oil and its beneficial compounds. The following applications are under study7.
7. Sunscreen: One test-tube study found that SPF 15 sunscreen with added myrrh oil was significantly more effective at blocking ultraviolet rays than the sunscreen alone. By itself, myrrh oil wasn’t as effective as the sunscreen (38Trusted Source).
8. Cancer: Test-tube studies suggest that myrrh oil may help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells from the liver, prostate,
breast, and skin. However, this hasn’t been tested in people (39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
9. Gut health: One animal study indicates that myrrh compounds may help treat intestinal spasms related to irritable bowel syndrome. Another animal study suggests that myrrh may help treat stomach ulcers (42Trusted Source, 43).
10. Mold: Test-tube studies note that myrrh oil may help kill mold, including Aspergillus niger, which commonly appears as mildew on damp walls, and A. flavus, which causes spoilage and mold contamination of food (3, 44).
Summary Scientists
are investigating other potential benefits of myrrh oil, including sunscreen effectiveness, cancer treatment, digestive health, and mold elimination.
11. Simple to Use
Myrrh oil can be inhaled, applied topically, or used for oral care. It should not be swallowed. Myrrh oil may have benefits like killing bacteria or protecting oral health.
You may be familiar with myrrh from Biblical stories even if you’re not sure what it is.
Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree — Commiphora myrrha, also known as C. molmol — that is native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia (1Trusted Source, 2).
A steam distillation process is used to extract myrrh essential oil, which is amber to brown in color and has an earthy scent (3).
Myrrh has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Scientists are now testing the oil’s potential uses, including for pain, infections, and skin sores (4Trusted Source).
Here are 11 science-based health benefits and uses of myrrh essential oil.
Share on Pinterest
1. Kills Harmful Bacteria
Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils to embalm mummies, as the oils not only provide a nice scent but also slow decay. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, in Biblical times, myrrh incense — often in combination with frankincense — was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.
One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68% (6Trusted Source).
Preliminary animal research suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill bacteria (7Trusted Source).
In test-tube studies, myrrh oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones (3, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).
In one test-tube study, myrrh oil at a low dilution of 0.1% killed all dormant Lyme disease bacteria, which can persist in some people after antibiotic treatment and continue to cause illness (11Trusted Source).
Still, more studies are needed to determine whether myrrh oil can treat persistent Lyme infections.
Summary Myrrh oil has been used to kill harmful bacteria long before scientists discovered that microbes cause contagious illnesses. It may have an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria.
2. May Support Oral Health
Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammation (12Trusted Source).
Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA (13Trusted Source, 14).
What’s more, when people with Behcet’s disease — an inflammatory disorder — used a myrrh mouthwash to treat painful mouth sores four times daily for a week, 50% of them had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of their mouth sores (15).
Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque (12Trusted Source).
Yet, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral-care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic (15).
Additionally, if you have oral surgery, it may be best to avoid myrrh mouthwash during healing. A test-tube study found that stitches — especially silk ones — can degrade when exposed to myrrh, though they held up in the doses typically found in mouthwash (16Trusted Source).
Summary Some natural mouthwashes and toothpastes contain myrrh oil, which may help relieve mouth sores and gum inflammation. Never swallow these products.
3. Supports Skin Health and May Help Heal Sores
Traditional uses of myrrh include treating skin wounds and infections. Today, scientists are testing these applications (17Trusted Source).
One test-tube study of human skin cells found that an essential oil blend containing myrrh helped heal wounds (18Trusted Source).
Another study noted that myrrh and other essential oils applied via baths helped mothers heal skin wounds from vaginal deliveries (19Trusted Source).
However, multiple oils were used simultaneously in these studies, so the individual effects of myrrh for wound healing are unclear.
Specific studies on myrrh oil are more telling.
A test-tube study on 247 different essential oil combinations found that myrrh oil mixed with sandalwood oil was especially effective at killing microbes that infect skin wounds (20Trusted Source).
Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot (17Trusted Source).
Human research is needed to confirm these benefits. However, if you want to try myrrh for general skin health, many natural ointments and soaps contain it. You can also apply diluted myrrh oil directly on your skin.
Summary Applying diluted myrrh oil on your skin may aid wound healing and fight microbes that can cause infections. The oil may also deter the growth of skin fungi, including ringworm and athlete’s foot.
4. Combats Pain and Swelling
Pain — such as headaches, joint pain and back pain — is a common complaint.
Myrrh oil contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors and tell your brain you’re not in pain. Myrrh also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain (1Trusted Source, 2, 21Trusted Source, 22Trusted Source).
When people prone to headaches took a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh’s pain-relieving compounds, their headache pain was reduced by about two-thirds during the six-month study (23).
Further research is needed to confirm these benefits. The supplement tested isn’t available in the US, and ingesting myrrh oil is not recommended.
Summary Myrrh oil contains plant compounds that may temporarily relieve pain by signaling your brain that you’re not in pain. It may also block your body’s production of inflammatory chemicals that lead to swelling and pain.
5. May Be a Powerful Antioxidant
Myrrh may be a powerful antioxidant, a compound that combats oxidative damage. Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and some diseases. A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals (24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Additionally, in an animal study, myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure (26Trusted Source).
It isn’t known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically — which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people — helps protect your body against oxidative damage.
Summary Test-tube and animal studies show that myrrh oil is a powerful antioxidant and even more effective than vitamin E. However, human studies are needed.
6. Kills Some Parasites
You can become infected with parasites from many sources, including pets, sexual activity and contaminated food or water (27Trusted Source). Two common parasitic infections in the US are trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease, and giardiasis, an intestinal infection (28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
In a preliminary study, women who failed to respond to standard drug treatment for trichomoniasis were given an oral drug, Mirazid, made of myrrh sap and its essential oil. About 85% of them were cured of the infection (31Trusted Source).
Additionally, an animal study found that the same myrrh drug effectively treated giardiasis (32Trusted Source).
Some human research suggests that this myrrh drug also may be effective against the parasite Fasciola gigantica, which can cause liver and bile duct diseases. However, other studies failed to see a benefit (33, 34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source, 36).
Mirazid is not widely prescribed at this time.
Though more research is needed, myrrh and its oil may prove helpful for treating parasites, especially in cases of drug resistance. Ingesting myrrh oil is not advised, and long-term safety must be assessed (37Trusted Source).
Summary Preliminary studies suggest that a myrrh-containing medicine may help treat some common parasites, but more research on its effectiveness and safety is needed..
Other Potential Benefits
Scientists are testing other potential uses for myrrh oil and its beneficial compounds. The following applications are under study7.
7. Sunscreen: One test-tube study found that SPF 15 sunscreen with added myrrh oil was significantly more effective at blocking ultraviolet rays than the sunscreen alone. By itself, myrrh oil wasn’t as effective as the sunscreen (38Trusted Source).
8. Cancer: Test-tube studies suggest that myrrh oil may help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells from the liver, prostate,
breast, and skin. However, this hasn’t been tested in people (39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source, 41Trusted Source).
9. Gut health: One animal study indicates that myrrh compounds may help treat intestinal spasms related to irritable bowel syndrome. Another animal study suggests that myrrh may help treat stomach ulcers (42Trusted Source, 43).
10. Mold: Test-tube studies note that myrrh oil may help kill mold, including Aspergillus niger, which commonly appears as mildew on damp walls, and A. flavus, which causes spoilage and mold contamination of food (3, 44).
Summary Scientists
are investigating other potential benefits of myrrh oil, including sunscreen effectiveness, cancer treatment, digestive health, and mold elimination.
11. Simple to Use
Myrrh oil can be inhaled, applied topically, or used for oral care. It should not be swallowed. Myrrh oil may have benefits like killing bacteria or protecting oral health.
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