Myrrh
Updated Mar. 03rd, 2022
Myrrh is an ancient incense and has long been used as a deodorizer and disinfectant. Today it is found in dental products because it has the ability to kill microbes in the mouth, while healing damaged mouth tissue. On the skin it works the same way. Myrrh fights topical infections and helps to heal the skin.
When the vapour is inhaled it can cleanse the respiratory tract of infection, minimize mucus secretions and speed tissue healing. Myrrh is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including: toothache, dental infections, bad breath, wounds, abscesses, skin ulcers, bronchitis and sinusitis. Burning myrrh can also clean indoor air.
Myrrh can be purchased as a resin, resinous powder or tincture. It can be found in dental powders. Keep in mind that myrrh does not dissolve in water. Oils (olive, almond, etc.) can be used to make a diluted product. Myrrh is usually used on the skin, as a mouthwash or as an inhalation. It is rarely otherwise for internal consumption due to its strength and the risk of inflaming the digestive tract.
Myrrh is believed to increase body temperature and should not be used if you have a fever or acute inflammation. It may be abortifacient by inducing menstrual bleeding.