Myrrh

What is Myrrh?

Myrrh is a reddish-brown resin that oozes from the bark of Commiphora trees when cut. It has been traded and used as medicine, incense, and embalming material since at least 1500 BCE, mentioned in Egyptian papyri, the Bible, Ayurvedic texts, and traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia. Today, it's most recognized for its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in oral health.

How does Myrrh work?

Myrrh's active compounds — especially its sesquiterpenes and terpenoids — disrupt the cell membranes of harmful bacteria and fungi, interfering with their ability to survive and multiply. Its anti-inflammatory action works by dialing down the body's overactive inflammatory signaling, which helps reduce swelling, redness, and pain in tissues. Some compounds also appear to interact with pain receptors in the body, which may explain why it has traditionally been used as a mild painkiller.

What forms does Myrrh come in?

Tincture and oral rinse forms are most practical for gum and mouth issues. Capsules or tablets are used for systemic anti-inflammatory or digestive purposes. The raw resin can be dissolved in alcohol for topical use. Essential oil (diluted) is applied to skin for minor wounds or inflammation, but should never be taken internally undiluted.

Where it comes from:

Myrrh was among the most valued commodities of the ancient world — traded along the incense routes of Arabia, used by Egyptian priests in religious rituals and embalming, and prescribed by Greek physician Dioscorides for wound healing and oral problems. It appears in Ayurvedic medicine as 'Bal' for promoting tissue regeneration, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine as 'Mo Yao' to move stagnant blood and reduce swelling. Its role in Biblical texts (as one of the three gifts of the Magi and an ingredient in holy anointing oil) cemented its cross-cultural importance.

What does Myrrh help with?

• Gum disease and mouth infections: Myrrh has strong bacteria-fighting properties that make it especially effective against the microbes responsible for gum disease and tooth infections. Applied as a rinse or tincture, it reduces gum inflammation, bleeding, and bacterial load — and has been used for this purpose continuously across cultures for over 2,000 years.
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores: Myrrh tincture applied directly to canker sores or mouth ulcers can speed healing and ease pain. Its combination of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions helps prevent secondary infection while calming the irritated tissue.
• Wound healing and skin infections: Diluted myrrh has been used topically for centuries to clean wounds and promote healing. It appears to discourage bacterial growth at wound sites while also supporting the tissue repair process — consistent with its historical use by ancient physicians for cuts, abrasions, and skin infections.
• Digestive upset and stomach pain: Myrrh has traditionally been used to calm digestive cramps, gas, and indigestion across multiple healing traditions. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties likely help soothe irritated gut lining and reduce uncomfortable spasms.
• Intestinal parasites: One of the more studied uses of myrrh is against intestinal worms and protozoa. Clinical research in Egypt has evaluated myrrh-based preparations specifically for fascioliasis (liver fluke infection) and schistosomiasis, with meaningful results compared to placebo.
• Inflammation and joint pain: Myrrh's sesquiterpene compounds can reduce the body's inflammatory signaling pathways. This may provide meaningful relief for people dealing with chronic inflammation-related joint discomfort, and has been explored in combination formulas with other anti-inflammatory herbs.
• Fungal infections (oral thrush, skin): Myrrh shows antifungal activity against Candida species in lab and early clinical settings. Used as a rinse, it may help manage mild oral thrush or be supportive alongside conventional treatment for skin fungal infections.
• Menstrual pain and irregularity: Myrrh has been used in Ayurvedic and Arabic medicine to support healthy menstrual flow and reduce period pain. It is thought to act as a uterine stimulant and mild antispasmodic — this is also why it is firmly avoided during pregnancy.

What can Myrrh help prevent?

• Progression of plaque-related gum disease with regular use as an oral rinse
• Secondary infection in minor wounds and skin abrasions when applied topically

Which foods are rich in Myrrh?

1. Garlic: Contains allicin, one of nature's most potent natural antimicrobials — supports the same gum, gut, and infection-fighting goals as myrrh.
2. Ginger: Strong anti-inflammatory gingerols work along similar pathways to myrrh's terpenoids, supporting joint comfort and digestive calm.
3. Turmeric: Curcumin is a well-researched anti-inflammatory that complements myrrh's action, especially for chronic inflammation and gut health.
4. Green tea: Rich in EGCG and catechins with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties — supportive of oral health in particular.
5. Raw honey (especially Manuka): Natural antimicrobial with wound-healing properties that works synergistically with myrrh's tissue-repair and infection-fighting effects.

Practical Tips:

Myrrh is a resin extract with no direct dietary food source. Focus your diet on anti-inflammatory whole foods — especially those rich in antimicrobial compounds like garlic, ginger, and turmeric — to reinforce what myrrh does in the body. Foods to limit: Excess alcohol — may amplify myrrh's liver burden at higher doses, Highly processed, sugar-heavy foods — counterproductive to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial goals myrrh supports.

What are the side effects of Myrrh?

• Digestive discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea at higher doses
• Skin rash or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals
• Elevated heart rate with large doses
• Uterine contractions: unsafe in pregnancy
• Potential liver stress with very high or prolonged internal use
• Mouth irritation if undiluted tincture is applied directly to tissues

Good to know:

Myrrh is considered safe for most adults when used in typical medicinal amounts for short periods. Problems usually arise with excessive doses or prolonged unsupervised use.

How much Myrrh should you take?

• Recommended daily: Tincture (1:5 in 90% alcohol): 1–2.5 mL up to three times daily. Oral rinse: 5–10 drops of tincture in water, swished for 30–60 seconds. Capsules (standardized extract): 400–600 mg once or twice daily. Topical: dilute essential oil to 2–3% in a carrier oil.
• Best time of day: Oral rinse: after brushing, morning and/or evening. Capsules: with meals to reduce digestive side effects.
• With or without food: Internal forms (capsules, tincture) are better tolerated with food.
• Time to effect: Oral/gum effects: 1–2 weeks. Systemic anti-inflammatory: 3–4 weeks of consistent use.
• How long to take it: Short-term use for acute infections: 2–4 weeks. For ongoing gum health support, intermittent use (4 weeks on, 2 weeks off) is generally recommended. Avoid continuous high-dose internal use beyond 4–6 weeks without professional guidance.