Myrrh gum ~ “Mo Yao,” Commiphora myrrha

Myrrh gum (“Mo Yao,” Commiphora myrrha)

Myrrh has been used in European and Middle Eastern herbology for at least two millennia, but we know it mostly as an incense.  Nonetheless, myrrh is stupendous for treating pain.  Its analgesic effect is throughout the body.

Myrrh promotes healing, and is used topically to promote the healing of chronic sores.

Internally, myrrh is used with corydalis tuber for abdominal pain.

A 1996 study published in the prestigious journal Nature (1996; 379:29), showed that a component of myrrh was as effective as morphine in relieving pain, and that its effect was due to binding opiate receptors in the brain.

Myrrh gum is ground to powder and taken in capsules.  Ten capsules per day is an effective dose.