April 19, 2023
In biblical times Myrrh was considered just as valuable as gold. Like frankincense, it is the sap from a myrrh tree, dried into a gum resin. It was probably used mostly as a painkiller as well as a treatment for sores, coughs, infections, and worms. The word myrrh means bitter, which was given to the substance because of its bitter taste.
The Bible records myrrh showing up three times in the life and death of Jesus Christ. Matthew states that the Three Wise men visited the child Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Scholars believe that myrrh was given to Jesus by the wise men because its bitter taste represented the hard times he would have in his life. It may have also foreshadowed his death.
Mark notes that when Jesus was dying on the cross, he was offered wine mixed with myrrh to dull the pain, but he did not take it. It was a merciful custom of the Jews to give those condemned to crucifixion, with a view to producing stupefaction, a strong aromatic wine. Among the ancients, myrrh was regarded as having great effect as a pain killer. Accordingly, the pious women who followed Jesus were only acting according to immemorial custom, when they followed Him weeping, bearing the cup of wine, mingled with myrrh, and offered it to Him before He was stretched on the cross, and His hands and feet nailed to the wood. He, however, turned away His head. He would not drink of the offered cup; not because He disapproved of the piety and pity of the women who offered it, but because He would not seem in any way to evade the sufferings He had come to endure. Finally, John says Nicodemus brought a mixture of 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to anoint Jesus' body, then wrapped it in linen cloths and laid in the tomb.
Ancient Egyptians used myrrh and other essential oils to embalm mummies, as the oils not only provide a nice scent but also slow decay. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes.
Additionally, in Biblical times, myrrh incense — often in combination with frankincense — was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria.
One recent study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68% .
In test-tube studies, myrrh oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones.
Due to its antimicrobial properties, myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammation. Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for sores in the mouth and throat, sore teeth and gums, coughs, asthma, and other chest problems. It can also be taken internally for bad breath, for loose teeth, and for weak gums.
Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA.
Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque.
3. Supports Skin Health and May Help Heal Sores
Myrrh was prized more for its ability to heal wounds. The use of myrrh as a wound salve is mentioned in the Smith and Embers papyri from Egyptian writings of 2500 BC. In 1370 BC, Pharoah Amenophis IV, husband of Nefertiti, received a request from Milkili, one of his military lieutenants serving in Palestine saying, “And let the King, my Lord, send troops to his servants, and let the King, my Lord, send myrrh for medicine.”1 It was said that he refused to fight until the physicians with his troops had enough supply of myrrh to treat all the wounds that would be suffered in the battle. Today, scientists are testing these applications. Its disinfectant properties make Myrrh suitable as a wash for sore s or wounds, and also as a douche. Add myrrh powder to the sore or wound after washing for continued disinfectant activity.
One test-tube study of human skin cells found that an essential oil blend containing myrrh helped heal wounds.
A test-tube study on 247 different essential oil combinations found that myrrh oil mixed with sandalwood oil was especially effective at killing microbes that infect skin wounds.
Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 43–61% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Pain — such as headaches, joint pain and back pain — is a common complaint.
Myrrh oil contains compounds that interact with opioid receptors and tell your brain you’re not in pain. Myrrh also blocks the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain.
When people prone to headaches took a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh’s pain-relieving compounds, their headache pain was reduced by about two-thirds during the six-month study.
5. May Be a Powerful Antioxidant
Myrrh may be a powerful antioxidant, a compound that combats oxidative damage.
Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to aging and some diseases.
A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals.
It isn’t known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically — which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people — helps protect your body against oxidative damage.
How to make Myrrh Resin Water
Ingredients:
2-3 ounces of Myrrh Resin
A 1.5 liter (50.7 ounces) bottle of purified or mineral water
Next steps:
Take the 2-3 ounces of Myrrh resin and put them at the bottom of the 1.5 liter bottle of water.
Remember – You can boil your own water, let it cool down and then pour this water into the 1.5 liter bottle until it is full. Or you can use mineral water.
Allow the mixture to sit overnight, preferably in a cold dry place. We put our bottles in the fridge.
The following day, drink the water throughout the day as you would normally drink water.
Be regular and consistent. If the water finishes, make up another bottle following the instructions above.
Allow your body to take time to heal, boost its immune system, and start taking care of any problems that you may have. Whether you’re doing it to help a health problem or for better overall health, stick to drinking at least a 1.5 liter bottle over a 1-2 day period.