Burseraceae
Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Horn of Africa, Arabian Peninsula
Also known as: Common Myrrh, Gum Myrrh, Herabol Myrrh, Bal
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Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Oral infections, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, sore throat (gargle), skin wounds, fungal infections, respiratory catarrh, menstrual irregularities. Classical wound-healing and oral hygiene herb.
Herbal Actions
Antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, emmenagogue
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpenes (furanodiene, curzerene, lindestrene), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, furanosesquiterpenoids (guggulsterone analogues)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5 tsp resin tincture in warm water as gargle 3x daily |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 90% ethanol), 3x daily — resin requires alcohol extraction |
| Notes | Resin requires high-alcohol extraction. Dilute tincture in water for mouthwash (1:10). Topical application to wounds: tincture directly or in salve. One of the oldest documented medicinal substances (3000+ years). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (emmenagogue). Avoid in kidney inflammation. Caution with anticoagulants and antidiabetic drugs.
Side Effects: GI irritation. Skin sensitization. Diarrhea at high doses. Generally safe at therapeutic doses.