Myrrh, along with frankincense and gold were given in celebration to the Baby Jesus upon his birth, and myrrh has been used for thousands of years due to its amazing healing properties. Myrrh is a gift for your body, mind and spirit.
Myrrh had a spiritual significance in the ancient world and was used as a sacred anointment oil in religious ceremonies, as well as being known as a powerful healing essence. Nowadays, myrrh is widely used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and is a powerhouse of antioxidants to help the body combat infection and inflammatory problems, both internally and externally.
What is myrrh?
The essence begins life as an unattractive woody and thorny tree, from which the gum or resin is extracted for medicinal use, but also for use in perfumes and scents. Extraction is made by ‘bleeding’ the tree, so that the waxy resin oozes out and collects until it becomes hard and slightly shiny. From there, it will be turned into an end product, be it a form of incense or fragrance, a topical liniment or healing salve. It is also used in oral hygiene, and can be an ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwashes and gargles.
Why is myrrh so effective?
There are two major active compounds contained in myrrh that enable it to aid healing, both emotionally and physically. Primarily,‘Terpenoids’ have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the organs of the body, whilst ‘Sesquiterpines’ have both these properties and the ability to enhance a calm and balanced emotional core.
How Myrrh is used
Physically, myrrh can do everything from healing wounds to having a huge effect on muscle and joint discomfort, and as a pain reliever. Combined with turmeric, white willow bark and frankincense, our Siddhi Soothe Muscle and Joint formula contains myrrh and comes in an easy to use topical spray.
Myrrh is antiseptic, anti-fungal and astringent and was once used by Greek and Roman warriors to stem the flow of blood from gory wounds. In those days, the myrrh would be made into a paste, far more difficult than our easy to apply liniment! Our product, is a one-stop shop for the treatment of inflamed or sore areas. Based on an ancient formula, 'Dit Dat Jio', similar ingredients including myrrh were used by Shaolin martial art fighters. You can see that their power and inner spirit were forged by the usage of this incredible medicinal aid.
The multitude of other usages of myrrh includes relief from nasal and lung problems such as excess congestion, mucus and phlegm. Myrrh is frequently mixed with citrus fruit such as lemon and used as a massage oil or in incense burners to fill the air to enable you to clear your senses and achieve serenity and relaxation.
When combined with frankincense, as it frequently is in traditional Chinese medicine, it is said to be ‘blood moving’, and to greatly affect the Qi in the body, which is the Chinese term for ‘life energy’ or ‘life spirit’. This energy flows through all living things and can be increased or made to flow more strongly, and can open you up to a higher level of conscious inspiration.
In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh is carefully used for the treatment of circulatory problems, rheumatism, back pain, sciatica and disorders of the nervous system. It is also recommended as a decongestant and problems with the mouth and throat.
There are other claims made on the magical and mystical qualities of myrrh, all of which are awaiting scientific confirmation. We prefer to stick to the facts and avoid any wild claims about this amazing ingredient.
