Dark, reddish brown and distilled from the resin of small trees native to areas around northeast Africa and southwest Asia, myrrh essential oil has been used for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Soldiers in ancient Greece carried along myrrh to help treat the wounds they incurred during battle, according to essential oil therapist Patricia Davis, author of “Aromatherapy: An A-Z.” The benefits of myrrh essential oil include helping to treat common ailments and conditions. However, pregnant women should avoid myrrh because it promotes menstrual blood flow.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Myrrh essential oil helps treat many conditions in the mouth. Julie Lawless writes in her text “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils” that myrrh works so effectively on gingivitis and ulcers in the mouth that the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia lists it as a treatment. While you may not know it, Davis says, many toothpaste brands include myrrh as an ingredient.
Get off Your Feet
A natural anti-fungal, Davis writes in “Aromatherapy: An A-Z,” myrrh effectively treats common infections such as athlete’s foot. It is nonirritating and can be applied directly to the afflicted area. Davis also notes that myrrh kills the fungi that causes the athlete’s foot and helps the skin heal more quickly.
Breathe Deep
Myrrh essential oil can help treat bronchitis, colds and sore throats, according to Lawless. Its effectiveness, according to Davis, comes from its antiseptic, expectorant and astringent properties. Davis suggests using steam inhalations–pour steaming water into a bowl with three to five drops of essential oil and breath in–to circulate the vapor throughout the respiratory system.
About this Author
Aaron Jacobsen specializes in writing about health, fitness and mental performance topics for various websites. He holds a master’s degree in kinesiology and is a former faculty member at San Jose University.
