Myrrh ~ Commiphora molmol/myrrha

Myrrh

Latin name: Commiphora molmol/myrrha

Family: Burseraceae

Part used: resin

Habitat: northeastern Africa, southern Arabia, Middle East

Main constituents: resin, gum, volatile oil, bitter substance

Energetics: warming, bitter

Main herbal actions: antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, expectorant

Minor herbal actions: anticancer, anti-spasmodic, carminative, stimulant

Main medicinal uses: gingivitis, digestive problems

Minor medicinal uses: Athlete’s foot, mouth ulcers, cold sores, common cold/sore throat, ulcerative colitis, amenorrhea

Preparations: tincture: orally: 1-2 ml tid, also taken as gargle and topical; capsules: up to 10 g (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy

Toxicity: none

Sources: http://www.healthlink.com.au/nat_lib/htm-data/htm-herb/bhp610.htm; http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/Herb/Myrrh.htm; http://www.herbalists.on.ca/resources/freeman/COMMIPHO.html; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations