Botanical name: Commiphora molmol
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
Myrrh grows as a shrub in desert regions, particularly in northeastern Africa and the
Middle East. The resin obtained from the stems is used in medicinal preparations.
Myrrh has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
In ancient times, the red-brown resin of myrrh was used to preserve mummies. It was also
used as a remedy for numerous infections, including leprosy and syphilis. Myrrh was also
recommended by herbalists for relief from bad
breath and for dental conditions.1 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it has been used to
treat bleeding disorders and wounds.
Active constituents
The three main constituents of myrrh are the resin, the gum, and the volatile oil. All are
thought to be important in myrrh’s activity as an herbal medicine. The resin has
reportedly been shown to kill various microbes and to stimulate macrophages (a type of white
blood cell) in test tube studies.2 Myrrh also has astringent properties and has a
soothing effect on inflamed tissues in the mouth and throat. Studies continue on the potential
anticancer and pain-relieving actions of myrrh resin.3 4 Human clinical
trials are lacking to confirm most uses of myrrh.
In a preliminary trial, patients with schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection) were treated
with a combination of resin and volatile oil of myrrh, in the amount of 10 mg per 2.2 pounds
of body weight per day for three days. The cure rate was 91.7% and, of those who did not
respond, 76.5% were cured by a second six-day course of treatment, increasing the overall cure
rate to 98.1%.5
How much is usually taken?
The German Commission E monograph recommends that persons either dab the undiluted tincture
in the mouth or gargle with 5–10 drops of tincture in a glass of water three times
daily.6 In addition, tincture of myrrh, 1–2 ml three times per day, can be
taken. The tincture can also be applied topically for canker sores. Due to the gummy nature of the product,
a tea cannot be made from myrrh. Capsules, containing up to 1 gram of resin taken three times
per day, can be used as well.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No adverse effects from myrrh usage have been reported.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with myrrh.
References:1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural
Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley
& Sons, 1996, 382–3.
2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal
Medicine. Middlesex, UK: Viking Arkana, 1991, 500–2.
3. Al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, et al. Anticarcinogenic effect of
Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice.
Chemotherapy 1994;40:337–47.
4. Dolara P, Luceri C, Ghelardini C, et al. Analgesic effects of myrrh.
Nature 1996;376:29.
5. Sheir Z, Nasr AA, Massoud A, et al. A safe, effective, herbal
antischistosomal therapy derived from myrrh. Am J Trop Med Hyg
2001;65:700–4.
6. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 173–4.