Myrrh

The image above comes from the class lesson.

I really like this herb. I think the picture above explains why it needs the properties listed below so it's quite fitting for this post.   I didn't get any work done on my book yesterday but I did some more work on this site.  I forgot a few pages.  I'm also still trying to decide what information I want to put in the descriptions of each herb that I'll write up on the virtual herbarium page.  I have the format the way I want it but that page requires a bit more time and effort.

My daughter rediscovered Super Wings this morning.  I knew this day would come.  My children have also discovered if they turn the water on in the kitchen sink then pour dish soap in it, they can make bubbles...

I have a LOT to do today but I don't think that's any different than any other day so I'll get to it.  Love and Light!

On to Myrrh!

Constituents: Volatile oil, gum, resins, sterols (Hoffman, 2003, p. 541). Petersen (2018) says the oil contains eugenol, myrrholic acids, heerabolene (a sesquiterpene), cholesterol, natural sugars, ash, sulfates, and potassium (Petersen, 2018, p. 134). Chevallier (2016) adds gum (acidic polysaccharides) and furanosesquiterpenes which is a group of volatile oils (p. 85). Milss and Bone (2010) say volatile oil (contains sesquiterpenes), resin (including commiphoric acid), gum, furanosesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoid resins (p. 514).

Therapeutic Actions: Antimicrobial, astringent, carminative, anticatarrhal, expectorant, vulnerary (Hoffman, 2003, p. 541). Petersen (2018) adds anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, antiviral, cardiac stimulant, deodorant, disinfectant, emetic (in large doses), emmenagogue, hypoglycemic, purgative, rubefacient, stomachic, and tonic (p. 135). Chevallier (2016) adds antiparasitic, antiulcer and wound healer (p; 85). Mills and Bone (2010) say astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary (p. 514).

Indications: Stimulates white blood cell production and has a direct antimicrobial effect. Infections of the mouth and colds. Treats boils, glandular fevers and brucellosis. Heals/antiseptic for wounds and abrasions. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 541). Chevallier (2016) adds sore throats, canker sores, and gum disease. Also useful in digestive tract infections. It promotes healing in inflamed areas like gastric ulcers. It cleans the blood and may improve intellect. It can also be taken for menstrual issues. He says externally, this is an underused herb for treating acne, boils, and inflammation. Germans use this for the sores caused by prosthetics (p. 85). Mills and Bone (2010) say pharyngitis, aphthous ulceration, respiratory infection, and topical furunculosis are traditional uses. In the Middle East, it was used for diabetes, gastric inflammation, and ulceration (p. 514).

Safety: Undiluted tincture by mouth may burn and irritate the palate. Hypoglycemic properties have been detected. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 541). May cause contact dermatitis. Do not use during pregnancy or with excessive uterine bleeding. 4 grams or more at once may cause kidney irritation and diarrhea.  Large doses can cause the heart to race (Petersen, 2018, p. 136). Mills and Bone (2010) say there is no evidence of problems using this during pregnancy but use caution during lactation as it may cause an allergy (p. 514).

Have a Great Day!