Myrrh Herbarium
Latin Name: Commiphora molmol (Nees) Engl. Syn. C. molmol (Engl.) Engl., C. madagascariensis (Jacq.))
Common names: gum myrrh, Somali, balm of Gilead, karam
Family: Burseraceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Heinerman (1996) says this resin comes from a shrub that grows up to 30 feet in height. I guess I need to check the definition of a shrub because that is pretty tall… They are native to Northeast Africa and southwest Asia. It comes out a pale yellow and turns yellowish red or reddish brown (p. 346).
Part of the plant used: Gum resin and essential oil.
Texture:
Color: reddish brown.
Aroma:
Flavor:
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).
Formulary: NOT water soluble, it needs to be an oil or a tincture (Chevallier 2016, p. 85).
Heinerman (1997, p. 346)
Breath and gum problems: 1pt boiling water, 2 sprigs coarsely chopped parsley, 3 whole cloves, 1t powdered myrrh, ¼ t powdered goldenseal. Stir occasionally while cooling. Strain. Use as mouthwash or gargle for sore throat. A tincture – 15 drops in 3 oz of water as a rinse also helps.
Canker sores/fever blisters: Apply powdered myrrh to wet cotton ball and place on blister.
Gingivitis/gum inflammation: Apply powdered myrrh to wet toothbrush and brush the affected area.
Chevallier (2016)
Acne and boils (p. 305): mix 1 level t of slippery elm with enough calendula, myrrh or echinacea tincture to make a paste. Apply. Secure a bandage over it and leave it there for 1-2 hours.
Mouth and tongue ulcers (p. 306): Mix equal parts of tincture of myrrh, echinacea, and licorice. Apply neat or dilute in water – 1 part tincture to 5 parts water, every hour.
Mouthwash/Sore throats (p. 85): 1t tincture in ½ c water.
Canker sores and gum problems (p. 306): Dab neat tincture directly on sore once every hour.
Oral thrush (p. 314): Mix equal parts of the tinctures of echinacea, myrrh, and licorice. Take 1t as a mouthwash every 3-4 hours, as required.
Sore throats (p. 311): Dilute 1t of each of the following herbs in 5t warm water. Rosemary, myrrh, sage, echinacea. Gargle and swallow (don’t swallow if pregnant).
Gladstar (2012)
Dr. Kloss’s Linament (p. 133): Thiis is a disinfectant and for inflamed muscles.
Goldenseal salve (p. 141): This is disinfectant anti-fungal and useful for infections. The example use she has here is athlete’s foot.
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 541).
1:1 90% Tincture: 1-4 ml 3/day
Infusion: POWDER – 1-2 teaspoons with 1 cup boiling water, infuse 10-15 min 3/day
Commission E:
Externally: dab undiluted tincture on skin issue 2-3 times a day.
Rinse/gargle: 5-10 drops in a glass of water
Dental powders: 10% powdered resin
Chevallier (2016, p. 85)
Tincture: For mouth ulcers: dab VERY little on every hour.
Essential oil: For congested sinuses: dilute 3 drops in carrier oil and massage in.
Powder: Rub a little into gums 3/day
Capsules: for bronchial congestion: take 300mg 3/day
Mills and Bone (2010, p. 514)
1:5 Liquid Extract: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
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).
Lab, Notes And Media:
Research:
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 19, 44, 85.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 133, 141.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 504: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica III. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P.133-136
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 346-7.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 541
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. P. 132, 514-6.
Pizzorno, J. E. and Murray, M. T. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. P. 690-2.
Common names: gum myrrh, Somali, balm of Gilead, karam
Family: Burseraceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Heinerman (1996) says this resin comes from a shrub that grows up to 30 feet in height. I guess I need to check the definition of a shrub because that is pretty tall… They are native to Northeast Africa and southwest Asia. It comes out a pale yellow and turns yellowish red or reddish brown (p. 346).
Part of the plant used: Gum resin and essential oil.
Texture:
Color: reddish brown.
Aroma:
Flavor:
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).
Formulary: NOT water soluble, it needs to be an oil or a tincture (Chevallier 2016, p. 85).
Heinerman (1997, p. 346)
Breath and gum problems: 1pt boiling water, 2 sprigs coarsely chopped parsley, 3 whole cloves, 1t powdered myrrh, ¼ t powdered goldenseal. Stir occasionally while cooling. Strain. Use as mouthwash or gargle for sore throat. A tincture – 15 drops in 3 oz of water as a rinse also helps.
Canker sores/fever blisters: Apply powdered myrrh to wet cotton ball and place on blister.
Gingivitis/gum inflammation: Apply powdered myrrh to wet toothbrush and brush the affected area.
Chevallier (2016)
Acne and boils (p. 305): mix 1 level t of slippery elm with enough calendula, myrrh or echinacea tincture to make a paste. Apply. Secure a bandage over it and leave it there for 1-2 hours.
Mouth and tongue ulcers (p. 306): Mix equal parts of tincture of myrrh, echinacea, and licorice. Apply neat or dilute in water – 1 part tincture to 5 parts water, every hour.
Mouthwash/Sore throats (p. 85): 1t tincture in ½ c water.
Canker sores and gum problems (p. 306): Dab neat tincture directly on sore once every hour.
Oral thrush (p. 314): Mix equal parts of the tinctures of echinacea, myrrh, and licorice. Take 1t as a mouthwash every 3-4 hours, as required.
Sore throats (p. 311): Dilute 1t of each of the following herbs in 5t warm water. Rosemary, myrrh, sage, echinacea. Gargle and swallow (don’t swallow if pregnant).
Gladstar (2012)
Dr. Kloss’s Linament (p. 133): Thiis is a disinfectant and for inflamed muscles.
Goldenseal salve (p. 141): This is disinfectant anti-fungal and useful for infections. The example use she has here is athlete’s foot.
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 541).
1:1 90% Tincture: 1-4 ml 3/day
Infusion: POWDER – 1-2 teaspoons with 1 cup boiling water, infuse 10-15 min 3/day
Commission E:
Externally: dab undiluted tincture on skin issue 2-3 times a day.
Rinse/gargle: 5-10 drops in a glass of water
Dental powders: 10% powdered resin
Chevallier (2016, p. 85)
Tincture: For mouth ulcers: dab VERY little on every hour.
Essential oil: For congested sinuses: dilute 3 drops in carrier oil and massage in.
Powder: Rub a little into gums 3/day
Capsules: for bronchial congestion: take 300mg 3/day
Mills and Bone (2010, p. 514)
1:5 Liquid Extract: 1.5-4.5 ml/day
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).
Lab, Notes And Media:
Research:
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 19, 44, 85.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 133, 141.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 504: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica III. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P.133-136
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. P. 346-7.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 541
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. P. 132, 514-6.
Pizzorno, J. E. and Murray, M. T. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. P. 690-2.
Appendix 2: Therapeutic Actions
Anticatarrhals: eliminate/prevent the formation of excess mucous (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Anti-microbial encompasses all microbes, not just viral or bacterial.
Antiparasitic means it kills parasites. Often these focus on intestinal parasites but not always.
Antipyretics: Reduce fever – these neutralize acidic blood to cool the body (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Antitumor means it fights tumors. This may mean it stops the growth of the tumor but it can also mean it reduces the tumor. It's used both ways.
Anti-ulcer (peptic) clearly helps with peptic ulcers. In some cases, they know what action makes this work, in others, they don't. An example of this working is coating it in mucous so it can heal.
Anti-viral means it works against viruses, often the flu.
Astringents: These are great for swollen tonsils and hemorrhoids but they also dry up the mucous discharge. These treat the symptom, not the cause of the symptom. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Cardiac Stimulant: Stimulates the heart. This is needed for people who have low blood pressure but it also helps increase circulation.
Carminatives: relieve gas/intestinal stagnation, increase circulation (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Deodorant means it fights the germs that cause odor. The term is most known for what we do for hygiene but it can also mean the stuff we put int he trash can to fight odor or even the bathroom.
Disinfectants kill germs that can often cause illness. These are used on counter tops, door knobs, etc to prevent the spread of what ever ailment is going around or even for daily cleaning. These are also used in terms of health to fight infection.
Emetic (in large doses) means it causes nausea and vomiting.
Emmenagogues: Promotes menstrual flow and healthy menstrual function. There are 3 types: warming helps with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, anxiety, cramps and pain. Cooling help calm excited, emotional, and irritable conditions. Tonic builds blood and promotes sexual function (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Hypoglycemic means it lowers blood sugar.
Purgatives: irritants and weaken the digestive system, tone the bowel system with prolonged use (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). Obviously, these are great for those rare occasions when vomiting is a needed action.
Rubefacients: Increase surface blood flow and red blood cell production. These help with arthritis, rheumatism, aches, and pains (Griffin, 1997,p. 11)
Stomachic is another way of saying it helps stimulate the digestive system.
Tonics: are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
Wound Healer is most often seen as an indication rather than an action but it's exactly as it sounds. It's purpose is to help wounds heal faster. These are generally used externally in this fashion on lesions on the skin.
Vulneraries promote cell growth/repair (griffin, 1997, p. 11).
Anticatarrhals: eliminate/prevent the formation of excess mucous (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Anti-microbial encompasses all microbes, not just viral or bacterial.
Antiparasitic means it kills parasites. Often these focus on intestinal parasites but not always.
Antipyretics: Reduce fever – these neutralize acidic blood to cool the body (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Antitumor means it fights tumors. This may mean it stops the growth of the tumor but it can also mean it reduces the tumor. It's used both ways.
Anti-ulcer (peptic) clearly helps with peptic ulcers. In some cases, they know what action makes this work, in others, they don't. An example of this working is coating it in mucous so it can heal.
Anti-viral means it works against viruses, often the flu.
Astringents: These are great for swollen tonsils and hemorrhoids but they also dry up the mucous discharge. These treat the symptom, not the cause of the symptom. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Cardiac Stimulant: Stimulates the heart. This is needed for people who have low blood pressure but it also helps increase circulation.
Carminatives: relieve gas/intestinal stagnation, increase circulation (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Deodorant means it fights the germs that cause odor. The term is most known for what we do for hygiene but it can also mean the stuff we put int he trash can to fight odor or even the bathroom.
Disinfectants kill germs that can often cause illness. These are used on counter tops, door knobs, etc to prevent the spread of what ever ailment is going around or even for daily cleaning. These are also used in terms of health to fight infection.
Emetic (in large doses) means it causes nausea and vomiting.
Emmenagogues: Promotes menstrual flow and healthy menstrual function. There are 3 types: warming helps with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, anxiety, cramps and pain. Cooling help calm excited, emotional, and irritable conditions. Tonic builds blood and promotes sexual function (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Hypoglycemic means it lowers blood sugar.
Purgatives: irritants and weaken the digestive system, tone the bowel system with prolonged use (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). Obviously, these are great for those rare occasions when vomiting is a needed action.
Rubefacients: Increase surface blood flow and red blood cell production. These help with arthritis, rheumatism, aches, and pains (Griffin, 1997,p. 11)
Stomachic is another way of saying it helps stimulate the digestive system.
Tonics: are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
Wound Healer is most often seen as an indication rather than an action but it's exactly as it sounds. It's purpose is to help wounds heal faster. These are generally used externally in this fashion on lesions on the skin.
Vulneraries promote cell growth/repair (griffin, 1997, p. 11).
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