Myrrh

See also: Commiphora (genus)

Frankincense and Myrrh – imperilled divine symbols of religion’s duty to conserve biodiversity

Overview

Part used: tree resin

Qualities: bitter, a bit pungent, warm dry; stimulating; decongesting, restoring, astringing

Properties Antibacterial, antiseptic, carminative, digestiv tonic and disinfectant

Tropism; arterial circulation, lungs, intestines, uterus, urinary organs

Ground: Phlegmatic & Melancholic krases; Dependent/Tai Yin Earth & Burdened?Saho Yin biotype; Lymphatic/Carbonic/Blue Iris constitutions

Constituents:

Essential oil 2-5-10% (incl. pinene, limonene, cardinene, aldehydes), resin 25-40%, gums 50-60%, salts, sulphates, acids.

The oleo-gum resin contains: resins (25–40%), essential oil (3–8%) and a water-soluble gum (30–60%). The gum is composed of 20% proteins and 65% carbohydrates made up of galactose, 4-O-methylglucuronic acid and arabinose. The major constituents of the essential oil are furanosesquiterpenes  and the monoterpenes α-, β- and γ−bisabolene.

Listing in Duke's Phytochemical Database

New Compounds from Myrrh

Tissue State Relevance

Myrrh’s strongest tissue‑state relevance is in the Cold/Depression, Damp/Stagnation, and Wind/Tension patterns, with secondary relevance for Heat/Excitation when infection or inflammation is present.

Core Takeaway

Myrrh is a warming, stimulating, dispersive resin that moves blood, resolves stagnation, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair.

This places it squarely in Cold/Depression, Damp/Stagnation, and Wind/Tension tissue states.

Evidence-Based Actions of Myrrh (mapped to tissue states)

1. Cold / Depression

Signs: slowed circulation, poor wound healing, cold tissues, low metabolic tone.

Myrrh relevance:

• Stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen production, accelerating tissue repair and wound closure (98.4% wound‑closure effect in lab studies). scienceinsights.org
• Mild analgesic action via sesquiterpenoids interacting with opioid receptors—warming, activating, relieving dull/achy pain. scienceinsights.org
• Traditionally used for trauma and arthritis, both often presenting with cold/depressed tissue tone. MDPI

Interpretation: Myrrh “wakes up” cold, underperforming tissues and restores circulation.

2. Damp / Stagnation

Signs: congestion, swelling, sluggish lymph, stuck fluids, microbial overgrowth.

Myrrh relevance:

• Strong antimicrobial activity (oral pathogens, Staph aureus) and antifungal activity (Candida species). scienceinsights.org
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions (FRAP, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide reduction). MDPI
• Used for hyperlipidemia and metabolic stagnation in traditional systems. MDPI

Interpretation: Myrrh dries dampness by reducing microbial load, resolving swelling, and improving fluid movement.

3. Wind / Tension

Signs: spasms, tightness, pain with guarding, irritated nerves.

Myrrh relevance:

• Mild analgesic and antispasmodic effects via sesquiterpenoid interaction with opioid receptors. scienceinsights.org
• Anti-proteinase and anti-denaturation actions reduce inflammatory irritation. MDPI

Interpretation: Myrrh relaxes tension patterns, especially where pain is sharp or guarding is present.

4. Heat / Excitation (secondary relevance)

Signs: infection, redness, inflammatory overactivity.

Myrrh relevance:

• Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions help clear infectious heat. MDPI
• Useful for oral inflammation, gum disease, and infected wounds. scienceinsights.org

Interpretation: Myrrh cools pathological heat only when heat is driven by infection or inflammation, not constitutional heat.

Tissue-State Summary Table

TCM & Western Uses

Its uses are similar to those of frankincense, with which it is often combined in liniments and incense. Myrrh is one of the most effective of all known disinfectants. It increases circulation and heart rate.

It is useful for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, uterine tumors, as it purges stagnant blood out of the uterus. Good for obesity and diabetes. The alcoholic extracts of echinacea, myrrh, and mullein are combined to make a medicated oil; an excellent liniment for bruises, aches and sprains is made from a combination of equal parts of myrrh, goldenseal, and cayenne, macerated in rubbing alcohol for about two weeks. Myrrh is commonly used in Chinese medicine for rheumatism, arthritis and circulatory problems.

It is a bitter tonic for digestion.

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for sores in the mouth, denture irritated mouth, and throat, diphtheria, sore teeth and gums, coughs, colds, stomach flu, asthma, anemia, and other chest problems. Apply tincture of myrrh full strength to cold sores. It can also be taken internally for bad breath, pyorrhea and for loose teeth and weak gums. Its disinfectant properties make myrrh suitable as a wash for sores, fungal infections, traumatic injuries and wounds, piles, old ulcers, bedsores, and also as a douche. Add myrrh powder to the sore or wound after washing for continued disinfectant activity. It can be blended with aloe vera gel to form a soothing topical wound protector. Cleans the colon and brings order to the digestive system. Sinus problems that have been with people for years have improved with the use of myrrh.

Studies suggest that myrrh stimulates the body's immune system, increasing resistance to infection.

The clear, fragrant gum resin of myrrh has been used since ancient times as an incense, as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes, as a fumigant, and in embalming.

Specific Indications Rolla Thomas: Increased secretion from mucous membranes, they being full and relaxed; full, oppressed pulse; imperfect circulation to surface and extremities.

1. RESTRAINS INFECTION AND PUTREFACTION, CLEARS TOXINS AND PARASITES, REDUCES INFLAMMATION, RESOLVES CLOTTING AND PROMOTES TISSUE REPAIR

MOUTH, GUM, THROAT & VAGINAL infections, incl. fungal (e.g. candidiasis), incl stomatitis, gingivitis, vaginitis

PUTREFYING conditions

CHRONIC WOUNDS, ulcers, sores

CONGEALED BLOOD due to injury or congestion anywhere

INTESTINAL PARASITES

2. SUPPORTS THE YANG, GENERATES WARMTH AND DISPELS COLD; STIMULATES THE CIRCULATION, PUSHES OUT ERUPTIONS AND RESOLVES FEVER

Yang deficiencywith arterial blood & Qi deficiency with weakness, fatigue, cold limbs

ERUPTIVE FEVERS

REMITTENT FEVERS in Shao Yang stage

3. STIMULATES AND RESTORES tHE LUNGS, RESOLVES AND EXPELS PHLEGM

lung phlegm cold with chronic bronchitis

LUNG TB, consumption

VOICE LOSS,hoarseness

4.WARMS AND INVIGORATES THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES/SPLEEN, RESOLVES MUCUS AND DRIES DAMP, ARRESTS DISCHARGE

Spleen Yang deficiency with intestines damp cold with no appetite, diarrhea

intestines mucous damp (Spleen damp) with sploshing, distended abdomen, fatigue

genitourinary damp cold with white vaginal or cystic discharge

5. STIMULATES THE UTERUS AND PROMOTES THE MENSES, PROMOTES CHILDBIRTH

uterus damp cold with stopped or delayed painful menses & pelvic dragging

REMEDIAL, for prolonged, difficult or stalled labor in deficient conditions

RETAINED PLACENTA

Sesquiterpenoids from the Resinous Exudates of *Commiphora myrrha* and Their Neuroprotective Effects

NOTES - HOLMES

Myrrh, like Camphor, is another time-honored remedy from the middle and far East, and shares some similarity of uses with it. Like the latter, Myrrh applies essentially to deficient, cold conditions with Yang deficiency and asthenia where phlegm and mucous congestion dominates the respiratory, digestive and genitourinary systems. It is specific for amenorrhea due to pelvic mucous congestion, for example, and is an effective oxytocic parturient for Tai Yin Earth and Shao Yin type women.

Myrrh also enjoys the distinction of being a highly effective antibacterialand antifungal agent. Like Garlic, Cajeput and Tea tree, it belongs to the warming stimulant type of antiseptic herbs and is used for acute situations, where its anti-inflammatory, antiecchymotic andvulnerary properties come into play as much as for chronic conditions. Here it excels with infections of the lungs, mouth and genital organs characterized by deficiency, cold, phlegm or mucous damp.

Per Sloan-Kettering:

Uses

To treat asthma

Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation.

To treat coughs

No scientific evidence supports this use.

To treat gastrointestinal disorders and indigestion

Myrrh extracts have been found to protect against damage to the mucus lining of the stomach.

To reduce inflammation

Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation.

To treat sexually transmitted disease

A small study showed that myrrh may be effective in treating trichomoniasis vaginalis.

Clinical Summary

The oleo gum resin obtained from Commiphora species, myrrh is well known as a fragrance used in incense and in perfumes. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, stomach problems, asthma, and other bronchial conditions. Studies indicate that myrrh has anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic , antitrichomonas and antipyretic effects in vitro and in mice . Constituents of myrrh have also been shown to inhibit certain cancers , but human data are lacking.

A small study showed effectiveness of myrrh against trichomoniasis vaginalis in affected women.

Mechanism of Action

In animal studies, an aqueous suspension of C. molmol has been found to protect against gastric mucosal damage caused by non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol . C. molmol is thought to have free radical-scavenging, thyroid-stimulating, and prostaglandin-inducing properties. These effects are caused by increases in mucus production, and nucleic acid and non-protein sulfhydryl concentrations. Aqueous extracts of myrrh may induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, causing a more rapid metabolism of warfarin.

C.molmol inhibits the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice . The cytotoxic activities appear to be as effective as cyclophosphamide in solid tumor-bearing mice. Results of one study reveal that the Na, K and Ca levels in cancer cells were reduced by treatment of C. molmol, leading to inhibition of cellular proliferation and tumor growth . Another in vitro study found that myrrh gum had tumoricidal effect against a malignant murine neuroblastoma cell line . The antiproliferative activity of sesquiterpenoids ST1 and ST2 from myrhh in human prostate cancer cells may occur through androgen receptor signaling inhibition.

Physio-Medical Therapeutics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy BY T. J. LYLE, A.M.M. 1897

This gum is a slow, mild, stimulating, antiseptic tonic. It gives a pleasant gastric warmth, and stimulates the circulation in assisting a flow of blood toward the capillaries, especially when given in hot infusion. Locally it is an excellent application on ulcers and foetid sores, is useful as a gargle in diphtheria, as a wash in sore mouth, and as a powder applied to the umbilicus of the infant immediately after the removal of the cord. In all these cases it assists in removing foul odours and arrests putrifaction.

The Physiomedical Dispensatory by William Cook, M.D., 1869

The medicinal portion of this plant is a gummy resin, which exudes spontaneously from the bark; at first pale-yellow, soft, clear, and oily; but afterward turning dull reddish-yellow, and becoming more opaque and hard. It was an object of trade nearly four thousand years ago, and was employed in medicine by Hippocrates. As it appears in commerce, it is in irregular tears or masses; varying in size from a small pea to a large walnut; of color ranging from a reddish-yellow to a reddish-brown; having an irregular and somewhat oily fracture, and with a pleasant aromatic and balsamic smell. The taste is warming and somewhat bitter, but not unpleasant. Heat slowly softens it; and it will burn at a high temperature. The best qualities are imported from Turkey; are generally in large masses, covered with more or less fine yellow powder, soft and fatty within, and mostly pale in color. A second quality is darker in color, harder, and always in quite small tears. A quality shipped from the East Indies is nearly brown-red, in pieces about the average size of a walnut, and frequently intermixed with foreign substances.

Though classed as a gum, this substance contains about 40 percent of resin, and 2.5 percent of a volatile oil. Only a portion of its gum is soluble in water; alcohol does not dissolve any but its resinous qualities, and takes up less of its virtues than water will; but dilute alcohol will solve most of its strength. An alcoholic solution added to water becomes milky, but does not deposit its resin. Alkaline solutions, as carbonate of potassa, increase its solubility in water. By being broken into fragments, it will slowly dry, and then may be pulverized.

Properties and Uses: An excellent antiseptic, a slow and mild stimulant, possessed of moderate astringency, and acting as a stimulating tonic. Its use occasions an agreeable sense of warmth in the stomach, large quantities causing decided gastric excitement. It slowly increases the fullness and force of the pulse, and exerts a well-marked influence on the capillary circulation. It diminishes mucous discharges, leaves a sense of warmth in the respiratory passages, arrests decomposition, and removes foul odors from sores. It is also a very good styptic in passive hemorrhages. Emmenagogue properties have been attributed to it; but it merely arouses the uterine blood vessels in common with the rest of the circulation, and has no specific influence on this organ, except as it lends its influence there in concert with distinct emmenagogues. (§265.)

It is an article seldom used alone: and it should never be used at all during febrile excitement; in inflammatory affections, where there is sensitiveness of the mucous membranes either of the stomach, bowels, lungs, uterus, or renal organs; nor where the mucous discharges are deficient. It is indicated where there is feebleness of the vascular apparatus, and a tendency to congestion with nervous prostration; and phlegmatic temperaments admit it more readily than the nervous or sanguine. In atonic conditions of the stomach and bowels, giving rise to particular forms of indigestion, flatulence, colic pains, and coldness, it is of use combined with tonics. In excessive mucous discharges, with debility of the membranes and the general system, it exhibits its virtues to great advantage; as in chronic leucorrhea and catarrh, when the secretions have become offensive; likewise in low ulcerations of the bowels and the bladder, providing no inflammatory excitement be present. It may be used directly to the vagina, in bad leucorrhea; and when combined with bayberry or a little capsicum, forms a potent injection to the bowels in passive hemorrhages following typhus. As a local application in degenerate ulcers, it is of great value–especially in phagedaena, malignant and foetid sores, carbuncles, malignant scarlatina, putrid sore throat and diphtheria, and after an indolent bubo has been opened. In these cases it is best to combine it with capsicum or other stimulant, but seldom with astringents. I have found it of good service in phagedaenic chancres, along with lobelia seeds and a little capsicum. In all such local cases it may be used in powder, tincture, or watery solution. It is a favorite appliance in aphthous sores, and bleeding or spongy gums. Many make use of its tincture in liniments; but being so largely resinous, it soon forms a layer of varnish upon the surface–thereby shutting in the perspiration that should escape at the part, and preventing the subsequent applications from reaching the structures.

The dose of this article usually directed, is from ten to twenty grains. I consider this by far too large. The powder is not a very heavy substance; and from two to five grains, repeated three or four times a day, are usually enough. Ten or twelve grains may be given in extreme cases. It is best given in powder; but may be made into a bolus with gum tragacanth solution.

Pharmaceutical Preparations: I. Tincture. Bruised myrrh, four ounces; alcohol of 85 percent, three pints. Macerate for fourteen days, and filter. This preparation is used only as a wash to ulcers; or internally as an adjuvant to emmenagogues and tonics for atonic conditions. II. Compound Tincture of Myrrh, Hot Drops, No. 6. Myrrh, one pound; capsicum, one ounce; alcohol of 85 percent, one gallon. Digest at a very moderate warmth, with occasional agitation, for ten days. This is one of the most famous preparations of Dr. Samuel Thomson; and though over-fastidious practitioners may seek to ignore it, it is one of the most powerful antiseptic and stimulating-tonic compounds ever offered to the profession. It is not surpassed by any preparation for atonic, sinking, and putrid tendencies; malignant diseases of the throat, receding variola, gangrenous conditions about sores and wounds, absorption of pus, etc. The addition of the capsicum to the myrrh greatly intensifies its action. Dose, half to a whole fluid drachm in water, every two hours, hour, or half hour, as needed. The dregs of this preparation are the most powerful of all local antiseptics. III. Compound Tincture of Myrrh and Cypripedium. Bruised myrrh and cypripedium, each one pound; ginger and xanthoxylum, each four, ounces; capsicum, one ounce; oil of sassafras, two drachms. Macerate the drugs for twenty-four hours in a sufficient quantity of 85 percent alcohol; transfer to a percolator, and treat with alcohol till two gallons

have passed over. Dissolve the oil in four ounces of 98 percent alcohol, and add to the tincture. This makes a less pungent preparation than the No.6 but one that is much more diffusive, pleasant, and nervine. It may be used in the same general way as the other; though larger doses may be given if required. IV. Solution. Myrrh, twenty grains; sugar, half an ounce. Triturate thoroughly, and add boiling water, four fluid ounces. Trituration with a sharp-grained brown sugar increases the solubility of myrrh in water. This preparation is one of the pleasantest forms in which the article can be given. It may be used in doses of half a fluid ounce, or more, every six, four, or two hours. The stomach will often receive it kindly when in a condition of sluggish turgescence, bordering on a state that precedes gangrene; and also in that form of gastric irritation which ushers in peritoneal effusion and typhoid ulceration. An equal quantity of cypripedium may be used in the preparation.