Myrrh

Scientific Name(s): Commiphora abyssinica (Bevg.) Engl., Commiphora molmol Engl., Commiphora myrrha (T. Nees) Engl.
Common Name(s): African myrrh, Arabian and Yemen myrrh, Bal, Bol, Bola, Gum myrrh, Heerabol, Myrrha, Myrrhe, Somali Myrrh

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Myrrh is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. It has also been used as an astringent, as an antiseptic to be applied to inflamed lesions of the throat and mouth, and as an emmenagogue and an antispasmodic, and for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Myrrh also has a potential role in the treatment of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis; however, there is limited clinical information to support these uses.

Dosing

Myrrh may be administered as a tincture or in dental powders, tea, rinses, and gargles.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented harmful effects. Avoid use. Myrrh is considered to be an emmenagogue and an abortifacient.

Interactions

Myrrh may interact with warfarin and other coumarin derivatives, resulting in a reduction in the international normalized ratio (INR).

Adverse Reactions

Several cases of dermatitis have been reported.

Toxicology

Research reveals no serious toxicities.

Scientific Family

• Burseraceae

Botany

The Commiphora species that serve as sources of myrrh are thorny shrubs or small trees that grow to up to 3 meters high. They are native to Africa, eastern Mediterranean countries, and South Arabia. A pale yellow-white viscous liquid exudes from natural cracks or fissures in the bark or from fissures cut intentionally to harvest the material.3 When air-dried, this exudate hardens into a reddish-brown mass that often contains white patches. These tears are approximately the size of a walnut and form the basis of myrrh resin. Myrrh is usually collected in the summer months.2, 3, 4 Though related, Commiphora mukul or "false" myrrh does not provide a source of myrrh, but rather guggulu resin, which is believed to lower cholesterol levels.4

History

Myrrh has been used for centuries3 as incense and for medicinal purposes.4 Medicinally, it has been used as an astringent, antiseptic, antiparasitic, antitussive, emmenagogue, and antispasmodic agent. It was commonly included in mixtures used to treat worms, wounds, and sepsis during the 4th century BC.4 Myrrh has also been reported to treat gout, headache, jaundice, throat ailments, indigestion, fatigue, and paralysis.5 Myrrh has been used in a variety of infectious diseases, including leprosy and syphilis, and to treat cancers.2 The Chinese have used myrrh in the management of a variety of skin and mouth infections.4 During the 10th century, myrrh was recommended to protect against plagues when travelling in endemic areas.4 It was also believed by the Greeks and Romans to be effective in the treatment of snake bites and is still used in parts of East Africa today for this indication.4 Myrrh was one of the first treatments of cough in children.4 Additionally, myrrh was incorporated as part of the mummification and cremation processes.4 Lotions containing myrrh h...