Commiphora molmol Engl. Myrrh
Family: Burseraceae
Description: Oleo-gum-resin obtained from stem of shrub, or small tree, where in forms in caries in phloem; as either rounded or irregular tears, 1.5-2cm in diameter or in agglutinated masses; reddish- brown to yellow, dry and dusty; brittle ‘fracture’ with granular translucent surface, rich-brown in colour and often with whitish spots or veins. Aromatic odour.
Habitat: NE Africa esp. Ethiopia, Sudan, and southern Arabia.
Harvest: See above. NB. Resin not soluble in water so must be prepared in alcohol and used in tincture.
Part used: Resinous sap.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture, 90%: 1-2ml tds. As a gargle or mouthwash, use 5ml of tincture in a glass of water (Bradley, 1992).
Character: Hot, dry; acrid, bitter (Ody, 1993).
Actions:
ANTISEPTIC,
ASTRINGENT (topically and on mucosal membranes -Mills, 1993);
anti-inflammatory, (Bradley, 1992
anti-cholestrolaemic (Mills, 1993);
anti-fungal;
immune stimulant;
circulatory stimulant;
expectorant;
reduces phlegm, (Ody, 1993).
Organ systems: Respiratory;
Indications:
-upper respiratory tract and gastro intestinal infections, especially in children (-AD);
-infectious, feverish conditions (Ody, 1993);
External usage:
-(undiluted tincture) sinusitis, minor skin inflammations (Bradley, 1992); acne, boils (AD);
-As a gargle: pharyngitis, tonsillitis;
-As a mouthwash: gingivitis, aphthous ulcers (Bradley, 1992);
Safety: Very safe.
Contra-indications: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant), (Ody, 1993); ‘tight’ coughs, asthma (due to sesquiterpenes), AD.
Key Constituents (Mills, 1993):
-25-40% resin, incl. triterpenes, alcohols and esters;
-around 60% gum;
-up to 14% volatile oil, incl. primarily sesquiterpenes and some monoterpenes;
Pharmacology: in vitro anti-microbial activity reported for resin and suggestion that [in C. abyssinica only? -see Wren] stimulates phagocytosis [ingestion of bacteria, foreign bodies by specialised cells]; also appears to reduce cholesterol and fat levels in blood streams, (Mills, 1993); anti- inflammatory effects in rats, (Wren, 1988).
Toxicology: No studies found.
History: Highly regarded throughout history, one of gifts of Magi. Burned by Ancient Egyptian women to rid homes of fleas, (Ody, 1993).
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“The marvellous effects that it worketh in newe and greene wounds, were heere to long to set downe…” Gerard, 1597 (Ody, 1993)
“TINCTURE It is ideal for upper respiratory problems, and can be added to expectorant mixtures.” Penelope Ody, 1993: 50.
“Neat tincture of myrrh, perhaps mixed with that of calendula (also an anti-inflammatory resin), is an excellent topical lotion for application to fungal infections of the nails and skin.” Simon Mills, 1993:502.
