Myrrh Resin (Commiphora myrrha)

Dried resin tears of Commiphora myrrha, the small thorny tree of the Horn of Africa and southern Arabian Peninsula whose hardened sap has been one of the most prized aromatic resins in human trade for over 3,000 years. Myrrh appears in ancient Egyptian embalming traditions, Greek and Roman medicine, the Bible (as one of the gifts of the Magi), and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Commiphora myrrha

Family

Burseraceae

Native region

Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea), southern Arabian Peninsula (Yemen, Oman)

Format

Hardened resin tears (solid amber-brown chunks)

Active compounds

Sesquiterpenes (furanodiene, lindestrene), resinous compounds

Traditional uses

Incense, embalming, oral health, topical applications, tincture base

What is Myrrh?

Myrrh is the hardened sap that exudes from cuts in the bark of Commiphora myrrha trees. Harvesters score the bark and collect the dried resin "tears" that form. Ancient Egyptian embalming used myrrh extensively; the Egyptians considered it the tears of Horus. Myrrh also appears in the Bible as one of the gifts presented by the Magi (alongside gold and frankincense), reflecting its status as a luxury trade item across the ancient world.

How to Use Myrrh

As incense: burn small pieces over a lit charcoal disc inside a fireproof bowl. As tincture: steep the resin chunks in high-proof alcohol for several weeks; the resulting tincture is used in traditional oral care and topical preparations. For traditional oral care: a tiny amount of tincture added to mouthwash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Myrrh and Frankincense?
Different but related plants; both produce aromatic resins of the Burseraceae family. Frankincense (Boswellia) has a sweeter, citrusy aroma; Myrrh is darker, earthier, and slightly bitter.

Was myrrh really used in Egyptian embalming?
Yes; myrrh was one of the primary aromatic resins used in Egyptian mummification practices.

How do you burn myrrh resin?
Place small pieces on a lit charcoal disc inside a fireproof bowl. The resin slowly heats and releases aromatic smoke.

Can myrrh be used for oral health?
Yes; myrrh tincture has a long tradition of use in oral care preparations. A few drops added to mouthwash is a traditional preparation.

Where does myrrh come from today?
Primarily Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Oman. Wild-harvested from the native tree range.

What does myrrh smell like?
Earthy, slightly bitter, warm, ancient - distinct from sweeter resins like frankincense or copal.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.