The Bitter Truth About Myrrh
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” ~Matthew 2:11
This week, Shelly shares her story of Myrrh essential oil.
The Bitter Truth: How Myrrh Essential Oil Saved My Skin (and My Sanity)
Last week, I woke up to a nightmare. My face was red, irritated, and felt like it was on fire. As I stared at my reflection, panic set in. I had a crucial presentation at school that day, and I couldn't face my students looking like this. That's when I remembered the small, amber bottle of Myrrh essential oil sitting in my bathroom cabinet.
You might be wondering, "Myrrh? Isn't that something the Three Wise Men brought to baby Jesus?" Well, you're not wrong! This ancient oil has been revered for centuries, and for good reason. The word "myrrh" actually means "bitter" in Arabic, but don't let that fool you – its benefits are anything but.
Historically, myrrh was used for everything from religious ceremonies to embalming. Today, we've discovered even more amazing uses for this versatile oil. As I massaged a few drops of diluted Myrrh onto my irritated skin that morning, I could almost feel the centuries of wisdom seeping into my pores. And the thoughts of Queen Esther using this oil for 6 months before she was presented to King Xerxes went through my mind. (Esther 2:12)
Within minutes, the redness started to subside, and the burning sensation eased. By the time I arrived at school, my skin looked calm and radiant. My presentation went off without a hitch, and I even got compliments on my "glowing" complexion!
Ancient of Days
Myrrh as an essential oil is very powerful, its use dating back many centuries having been traded in the Middle East and North Africa for more than 5,000 years. Myrrh has a long history of medical use along the Silk Road from Arabia into China. It was so valuable in ancient times that it was, at times, equal in weight value to gold.
Throughout time myrrh has been known to offer all manner of healing benefits. The Benedictine abbess Hildegard von Bingen (1098–1179) included myrrh as a healing tool in her book of medicines, Physica. The ancient Egyptians procured huge boat shipments of myrrh resin from the Phoenicians and used it in incense, insect repellent, salves for wounds and sores, and as a key ingredient in the embalming process. History indicates they also used it to treat hay fever and herpes. Even back then, Egyptian women abhorred wrinkles and aging skin and used myrrh oil as a rejuvenating facial treatment in their cosmetic preparations. An ointment of myrrh was carried by Greek soldiers into battle to counter infections. Myrrh is also supportive for endocrine and hormonal conditions including support of the thyroid, growth hormone production, pituitary gland function, and hypothalamus function.
Alain Touwaide, the Smithsonian’s scientific director of the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions, tells us the Greek physician Hippocrates, known for revolutionizing the practice of medicine (c.460–377 BC), wrote about myrrh for healing more than any other plant substance. He relates that myrrh was also used as an antiseptic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory agent and calls myrrh one of the “antibiotics of history.”1
The Essence of Myrrh
Myrrh resin is a natural gum which seeps from the bark of the Commiphora tree once it is cut. It is then steam distilled into the essential oil we have today. The properties of Myrrh essential oil are truly remarkable. Its main chemical components, including furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzerene, are known for their soothing properties. The sesquiterpene ethers (primarily curzerene) in the essential oil are known for their soothing properties. This makes Myrrh fantastic for promoting smooth, youthful-looking skin and supporting oral hygiene.
The Modern Marvel
Fast forward to today, Myrrh Essential Oil continues to be a powerhouse in natural health and wellness. Its uses are as varied as they are profound:
Skincare Savior: Myrrh has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties, which can be helpful for healing wounds and blemishes. It can also help to soothe dry, itchy skin. Myrrh is my go-to for nourishing and rejuvenating my skin. It has been shown to improve circulation so vital for combatting signs of aging. Improved circulation creates an overall improved complexion with a healthy glow. I often add a few drops to my moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote a youthful glow.
Soothing Comfort: When life gets hectic, and stress and anxiety start to creep in, diffusing Myrrh helps create a calming environment. Its warm, balsamic aroma is both grounding and uplifting and perfect for meditation or winding down after a long day. Those nights when sleep eludes me, a dab on my pulse points helps quiet my racing mind. Its grounding scent helps me stay focused and centered, reminding me of the resilience of those ancient trees that produce this precious resin.
Immune Support: With its powerful antioxidant properties, Myrrh supports overall immune health. I like to blend it with a carrier oil and apply it to the soles of my feet, especially during the colder months.
Respiratory support: Myrrh has expectorant properties, which means it can help to loosen mucus and clear congestion. Great for the diffuser!
Oral Health: Myrrh has natural cleansing properties that make it an excellent addition to my oral hygiene routine. A drop in my toothpaste or a homemade mouthwash leaves my mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Healthy Thyroid Roller Blend Rollerball:
10ml roller:
20 drops Frankincense
20 drops Myrrh
20 drops Lemongrass
20 drops Lavender
20 drops Peppermint
Top with fractionated coconut oil and shake and apply over thyroid daily.
Emotional Harmony
Emotionally, Myrrh Essential Oil offers profound benefits. Its rich, balsamic scent has a unique ability to soothe the soul and evoke feelings of tranquility and introspection. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or disconnected, inhaling the aroma of Myrrh helps center my thoughts and emotions, guiding me back to a place of calm and clarity.
This rich history isn’t just a testament to its value but also a nod to its incredible versatility and potent benefits. Myrrh's properties are as captivating as its history. It is known for being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent. These qualities make it a versatile addition to any wellness routine, whether you're a seasoned user or just starting your journey with essential oils. So, the next time life throws you a curveball (or a skin emergency!), remember the bitter truth: Myrrh might just be the sweet solution you're looking for.
