Myrrh - The Sacred Resin

Myrrh - The Bitter Gift of Healing and Death

Myrrh, the aromatic resin from thorny Commiphora trees, has been treasured for over 4,000 years as a sacred medicine, embalming agent, and offering to the divine. One of the three gifts presented to the infant Jesus (symbolizing his future suffering and death), myrrh bridges life and death, healing and sacrifice. From Egyptian mummification to medieval wound care, from temple incense to modern antimicrobial research, myrrh remains one of humanity's most profound healing allies.

Ancient Egyptian Jewish Christian Islamic Greek Chinese

Botanical and Historical Overview

The Commiphora Trees

Myrrh is the aromatic gum resin obtained from several species of small, thorny trees in the genus Commiphora, native to Northeast Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea) and the Arabian Peninsula (Yemen, Oman). These hardy trees survive in arid, rocky terrain, producing their precious resin when the bark is wounded - either naturally or through deliberate tapping.

Primary Myrrh Species

Etymology and Ancient Names

Historical Trade and Value

Ancient Commerce

Myrrh was one of the most valuable commodities in the ancient world, traded along the famous "Incense Route" from Arabia and Africa to Egypt, Israel, Greece, Rome, India, and China. It was worth more than its weight in silver and sometimes rivaled gold in value. The Kingdom of Sheba (modern Yemen/Ethiopia) grew wealthy controlling myrrh and frankincense trade routes.

The Gift of the Magi

In Christian tradition, myrrh was the third gift (with gold and frankincense) presented by the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. While gold represented kingship and frankincense represented divinity, myrrh foreshadowed Jesus's mortality, suffering, and death - it was an embalming spice, used to prepare bodies for burial. The gift was both prophetic and paradoxical: a burial spice given at birth.

Universal Themes

Death, Burial, and Immortality

Myrrh's primary sacred role across cultures is in death rites - embalming, funerary anointing, and preservation of the dead. Its antimicrobial properties physically preserve bodies while spiritually protecting souls on their journey to the afterlife. Paradoxically, this association with death makes it a symbol of immortality and resurrection.

Healing and Medicine

Despite (or because of) its bitter taste, myrrh is one of history's most important medicines. Its powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties have made it essential in medical traditions worldwide. The ancient physicians' maxim: "Bitter to the taste, healing to the body."

Sacrifice and Suffering

Myrrh's bitterness and association with death connect it symbolically to sacrifice, suffering, and transformation through pain. In Christian mysticism, myrrh represents Christ's passion and the bitter cup of sacrifice. In other traditions, it aids in transforming suffering into wisdom.

Protection and Purification

Like frankincense, myrrh smoke purifies sacred spaces and protects against evil, but with a more grounding, earthy quality. It doesn't lift consciousness as much as ground and protect, making it ideal for protection magic and exorcism.

Myrrh Across World Traditions

Ancient Egyptian Embalming and Religion

Mummification

Myrrh was absolutely central to Egyptian mummification, used more extensively than any other substance except natron salt:

  • Body Cavity: Myrrh resin packed into body cavities after organ removal
  • External Application: Body washed with myrrh-infused oils
  • Wrapping: Linen bandages soaked in myrrh and other resins
  • Antimicrobial: Prevented decay and bacterial growth
  • Fragrance: Masked decomposition odors, honored the deceased
  • Spiritual Protection: Protected soul (ka) during journey through underworld
  • All Classes: Even common people used some myrrh if affordable

Religious and Temple Use

  • Kyphi: Sacred incense blend containing myrrh, burned in temples
  • Daily Offerings: Burned for Ra, Osiris, Isis, and other deities
  • Anointing Oil: Priests and pharaohs anointed with myrrh oil
  • Cosmetics: Used in sacred and royal cosmetics
  • Medicine: Egyptian physicians prescribed myrrh for numerous ailments
  • Perfume: Base note in Egyptian perfumes and unguents

Famous References

  • Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE): Medical papyrus lists myrrh for wounds, infections
  • Exodus: Israelites leaving Egypt carried myrrh knowledge with them
  • Cleopatra: Famous for using myrrh in cosmetics and seduction rituals

→ Learn more about Ancient Egyptian Sacred Practices

Jewish and Biblical Traditions

Sacred Anointing Oil

Myrrh was the primary ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil used to consecrate priests, kings, prophets, and the Tabernacle:

"Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil..." - Exodus 30:23-25

Biblical Uses and Symbolism

  • Royal Anointing: Kings of Israel anointed with myrrh oil
  • High Priest: Priestly garments scented with myrrh (Psalm 45:8)
  • Wedding Customs: Brides perfumed with myrrh (Song of Solomon)
  • Beauty Treatment: Esther's 6-month myrrh beauty regimen before meeting king
  • Gift to Christ: Wise Men brought myrrh to infant Jesus
  • Crucifixion: Jesus offered wine mixed with myrrh (pain reliever) on cross
  • Burial of Jesus: Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes for burial

Song of Solomon - Love and Myrrh

"My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh lodged between my breasts." - Song of Solomon 1:13

"His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli. His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem." - Song of Solomon 5:14-16

Myrrh appears throughout Song of Solomon as symbol of love, beauty, and sensuality

Kabbalistic Significance

  • Bitter-Sweet: Represents transformation of suffering into sweetness
  • Death and Rebirth: Symbolizes death of ego and spiritual rebirth
  • Sephirot: Connected to Binah (Understanding) and sometimes Gevurah (Severity)
  • Divine Feminine: Associated with Shekhinah (divine feminine presence)

→ Jewish Sacred Traditions and Kabbalah

Christian Mysticism and Liturgy

The Gifts of the Magi - Deep Symbolism

  • Gold: Kingship, Jesus as King of Kings
  • Frankincense: Divinity, Jesus as God incarnate, priestly role
  • Myrrh: Mortality, Jesus's future suffering, death, and burial
  • Prophetic Gift: Foreshadowed the crucifixion from birth
  • Redemption: Myrrh's bitterness represents bitter cup of sacrifice

Passion and Crucifixion

  • Gethsemane: "Let this cup pass from me" - the bitter cup, like myrrh
  • Wine and Myrrh: Offered as pain reliever/sedative on cross (Mark 15:23)
  • Burial: Body wrapped in linen with myrrh and aloes (John 19:39-40)
  • Resurrection: Women came with spices to complete anointing (Mark 16:1)
  • Symbolism: Death (myrrh) transformed into life (resurrection)

Liturgical and Mystical Use

  • Holy Chrism: Myrrh in oil used for baptism, confirmation, ordination
  • Extreme Unction: Anointing the sick and dying with myrrh-infused oil
  • Incense: Burned during Mass, especially in Orthodox traditions
  • Good Friday: Myrrh prominent in Holy Week services
  • Mystical Writings: Myrrh represents purification through suffering
  • St. Teresa of Avila: Used myrrh as metaphor for spiritual trials
  • St. John of the Cross: "Dark Night of the Soul" - myrrh's bitterness

Sacred Art and Iconography

  • Adoration of the Magi: Paintings showing myrrh gift
  • Crucifixion Scenes: Myrrh vessel often depicted
  • Burial of Christ: Art showing myrrh and aloes preparation

→ Christian Mysticism and Symbolism

Islamic Traditions

Prophetic Medicine (Tibb Nabawi)

  • Prophetic Recommendation: Myrrh mentioned in hadith for medicinal use
  • Mouth Care: Used for oral health and fresh breath
  • Fumigation: Homes and mosques fumigated with myrrh
  • Women's Health: Used for gynecological conditions
  • Wound Healing: Applied to cuts and injuries

Spiritual and Cultural Practices

  • Bakhoor: Myrrh component of traditional incense blends
  • Purification: Burned for spiritual cleansing
  • Ramadan: Used during holy month
  • Weddings: Bride fumigated with myrrh smoke
  • Newborns: Baby welcome ceremonies with myrrh
  • Perfumery: Traditional Arab perfumes feature myrrh

→ Islamic Medicine and Spiritual Practices

Greco-Roman Medicine and Religion

Ancient Greek Medicine

  • Hippocrates (460-370 BCE): Prescribed myrrh for wounds, ulcers, lung conditions
  • Theophrastus: Documented myrrh's properties in botanical writings
  • Dioscorides (40-90 CE): Detailed myrrh in "De Materia Medica"
  • Galen (129-216 CE): Included myrrh in compound medicines
  • Applications: Wounds, infections, gynecological issues, respiratory conditions

Mythological Connection

The Myth of Myrrha/Smyrna:

Greek mythology tells of Myrrha (Smyrna), a princess who was transformed into the myrrh tree. After an incestuous relationship with her father (through deception), she fled in shame and prayed to the gods for transformation. She became the myrrh tree, weeping bitter tears of resin. Her child, born from the tree, was Adonis - god of beauty and vegetation who himself died and was resurrected annually.

  • Themes: Shame, transformation, tears of sorrow, death and rebirth
  • Adonis: Birth from myrrh tree - beauty from suffering
  • Symbolism: Bitter experience transformed into healing medicine

Roman Use

  • Military Medicine: Roman army physicians used myrrh for battle wounds
  • Embalming: Wealthy Romans embalmed with myrrh
  • Perfumery: Romans used massive quantities in perfumes and unguents
  • Wine: Myrrh-flavored wine popular (also pain reliever)
  • Religious Rites: Offered to gods, especially Venus/Aphrodite

→ Greek Mythology and Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Mo Yao (没药)

Energetic Properties:

  • Nature: Neutral
  • Taste: Bitter, acrid
  • Meridians: Heart, Liver, Spleen
  • Actions: Invigorates blood, dispels stasis, reduces swelling, alleviates pain

TCM Applications

  • Blood Stagnation: Primary herb for moving stagnant blood
  • Traumatic Injury: Treats bruises, fractures, sprains
  • Chest Pain: Angina and cardiac issues from blood stasis
  • Abdominal Masses: Treats fixed abdominal pain and masses
  • Menstrual Issues: Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum pain
  • Carbuncles and Sores: Topical and internal for abscesses
  • Arthritis: Joint pain and swelling

Famous TCM Formulas

  • Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan: "Wonderfully Effective Pill to Invigorate the Collaterals" - for pain
  • Qi Li San: "Seven-Thousandths of a Tael Powder" - for trauma
  • Combination with Ru Xiang: Often paired with frankincense for synergistic effect

→ Traditional Chinese Medicine

Ayurvedic Medicine

Bola or Hirabol

  • Dosha: Balances all three doshas, especially Kapha and Vata
  • Rasa (Taste): Bitter, pungent, astringent
  • Virya (Energy): Heating
  • Vipaka: Pungent

Ayurvedic Uses

  • Wounds and Ulcers: Topical application for healing
  • Oral Health: Gum disease, mouth ulcers, bad breath
  • Respiratory: Bronchitis, asthma, chronic cough
  • Digestive: Promotes digestion, treats diarrhea
  • Gynecological: Menstrual regulation, uterine health
  • Rejuvenation: Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties
  • Incense: Used in Ayurvedic aromatherapy

→ Ayurveda and Hindu Medicine

Medicinal Properties and Modern Research

Active Constituents

  • Sesquiterpenes: Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzerene, lindestrene
  • Furanosesquiterpenoids: Unique compounds with anti-inflammatory effects
  • Essential Oil (3-8%): Complex mixture of terpenes
  • Resin (25-40%): Commiphoric acids, heerabomyrrhols
  • Gum (40-60%): Polysaccharides and proteins
  • Bitter Principles: Various bitter compounds
  • Sterols: Cholesterol-like compounds

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Uses

Antimicrobial Properties

  • Broad Spectrum: Active against bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites
  • Staphylococcus aureus: Including MRSA (antibiotic-resistant)
  • E. coli: Effective against this common pathogen
  • Candida albicans: Antifungal action against yeast infections
  • Parasites: Traditional antiparasitic, some modern validation
  • Biofilm: May help break down bacterial biofilms
  • Mechanism: Disrupts cell membranes, inhibits growth

Oral Health

  • Gingivitis: Clinical studies show reduced gum inflammation
  • Periodontitis: Improves periodontal health
  • Plaque: Reduces bacterial plaque formation
  • Mouth Ulcers: Speeds healing of canker sores and oral lesions
  • Bad Breath: Antimicrobial action freshens breath
  • Toothache: Analgesic properties relieve tooth pain
  • Commercial Products: Found in natural toothpastes and mouthwashes

Wound Healing and Skin Health

  • Antiseptic: Prevents infection in wounds and cuts
  • Tissue Regeneration: Promotes healing and tissue repair
  • Ulcers: Both internal and external ulcer healing
  • Burns: Topical application for burn wounds
  • Acne: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory for acne
  • Eczema: Reduces inflammation and prevents infection
  • Athlete's Foot: Antifungal for tinea pedis
  • Historical Use: Battlefield medicine for centuries

Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief

  • Arthritis: Reduces joint inflammation and pain
  • Mechanism: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways
  • Traumatic Injury: Reduces swelling from bruises, sprains
  • Muscle Pain: Topical application for sore muscles
  • Headache: Traditional remedy for headache relief
  • Synergy with Frankincense: Often combined for enhanced effect

Digestive System

  • Ulcers: Gastric and duodenal ulcer healing
  • Diarrhea: Astringent action helps with loose stools
  • Dysentery: Traditional remedy for bacterial dysentery
  • Digestive Stimulant: Increases gastric secretions
  • Intestinal Parasites: Antiparasitic properties
  • IBD: Some traditional use for inflammatory bowel conditions

Respiratory System

  • Bronchitis: Expectorant and anti-inflammatory
  • Cough: Reduces coughing and clears mucus
  • Asthma: Traditional use for asthma relief
  • Sore Throat: Gargling with myrrh soothes throat
  • Sinus Infection: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
  • Lung Infections: Supports healing of respiratory infections

Women's Health

  • Menstrual Regulation: Emmenagogue - promotes menstrual flow
  • Dysmenorrhea: Reduces menstrual cramps and pain
  • Amenorrhea: Treats absent or delayed menstruation
  • Uterine Health: Tones uterine tissue
  • Vaginal Infections: Antimicrobial for yeast and bacterial infections
  • Postpartum: Traditionally used after childbirth (with caution)
  • WARNING: Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterus)

Circulatory System

  • Blood Circulation: Improves blood flow, reduces stagnation
  • Bruises: Topical application speeds bruise resolution
  • Cardiovascular: Some traditional use for heart conditions
  • Cholesterol: May have lipid-lowering effects (preliminary research)

Cancer Research (Preclinical)

  • Breast Cancer: Laboratory studies show anti-tumor effects
  • Colon Cancer: Induces apoptosis in cancer cells
  • Prostate Cancer: Preliminary anti-cancer activity
  • Cervical Cancer: Some research on cervical cancer cells
  • Mechanisms: Apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, anti-angiogenesis
  • Status: Promising laboratory results, clinical trials needed

Other Therapeutic Applications

  • Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, protects cells
  • Immune Support: Modulates immune function
  • Thyroid: May support thyroid function (preliminary evidence)
  • Diabetes: Some research on glucose regulation
  • Liver Protection: Hepatoprotective properties
  • Antispasmodic: Relieves smooth muscle spasms

Forms of Myrrh Medicine

Magical and Spiritual Properties

Protection and Exorcism

  • Powerful Protection: Creates strong protective barrier
  • Evil Spirits: Banishes demons and negative entities
  • Exorcism: Used in exorcism rituals across traditions
  • Curse Breaking: Breaks hexes, curses, and evil spells
  • Grounding Protection: Earthy, grounding protective energy
  • Psychic Shield: Protects against psychic attack and vampirism

Death Work and Ancestral Connection

  • Death Rites: Essential in rituals honoring the dead
  • Soul Transition: Helps souls pass peacefully to afterlife
  • Ancestor Altar: Burn myrrh when working with ancestors
  • Samhain/Day of Dead: Traditional offering to the dead
  • Funeral Rites: Appropriate incense for funerals and memorials
  • Grief Processing: Helps the living process loss and grief
  • Mediumship: Facilitates communication with deceased

Transformation and Shadow Work

  • Bitter to Sweet: Transforms suffering into wisdom
  • Shadow Integration: Helps face and integrate shadow self
  • Ego Death: Facilitates spiritual death and rebirth
  • Trials and Suffering: Provides strength during difficult times
  • Alchemy: Represents nigredo (blackening) stage of transformation
  • Phoenix Energy: Death leading to resurrection

Healing Magic

  • Physical Healing: Enhances healing spells and energy work
  • Emotional Healing: Heals deep emotional wounds and trauma
  • Spiritual Healing: Repairs damage to soul and spirit
  • Energy Work: Use during Reiki, hands-on healing
  • Chakra Healing: Grounds and protects during chakra work
  • Wounded Healer: For healers working through own wounds

Purification and Consecration

  • Deep Cleansing: Removes stubborn negative energy
  • Consecration: Consecrates ritual tools and sacred objects
  • Space Clearing: Purifies ritual spaces, but with earthy energy
  • Grounding Purification: Cleanses while grounding
  • After Illness: Cleanses space after sickness or death

Meditation and Spiritual Practice

  • Contemplation: Aids in deep contemplation of mortality
  • Memento Mori: "Remember you will die" meditation
  • Grounding: Deeply grounding for spiritual practice
  • Root Chakra: Activates and grounds root chakra
  • Present Moment: Brings awareness to impermanence

Love and Sensuality

  • Deep Love: Not light romance, but profound, transformative love
  • Sacred Sexuality: Used in tantra and sacred sexuality
  • Aphrodisiac: Traditional aphrodisiac in small amounts
  • Song of Solomon: Biblical association with erotic love
  • Goddess Work: Connects to dark goddesses (Inanna, Hecate)

Magical Correspondences

Preparation and Use Methods

1. Myrrh Tincture (Primary Medicinal Form)

For oral health, internal use, topical application

  1. Crush 1/3 cup myrrh resin into small pieces (powder if possible)
  2. Place in jar and cover with 1 cup high-proof alcohol (80-95% vodka or Everclear)
  3. Seal tightly and shake well
  4. Store in cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking daily
  5. Strain through fine mesh or coffee filter
  6. Store in dark dropper bottles, label with date

Uses and Dosages:

  • Mouthwash: 5-10 drops in small glass of water, swish and gargle
  • Internal: 10-30 drops in water, 2-3 times daily (not long-term)
  • Topical: Apply directly to wounds, acne, fungal infections
  • Toothache: Apply 1-2 drops directly to affected tooth

2. Myrrh Mouthwash (Oral Health)

For gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath, mouth ulcers

Option 1 - From Tincture:

  • Add 5-10 drops myrrh tincture to 1/4 cup warm water
  • Swish vigorously for 30-60 seconds
  • Gargle if sore throat
  • Spit out (can swallow small amounts)
  • Use 2-3 times daily

Option 2 - From Powder:

  • Simmer 1 tsp myrrh powder in 1 cup water for 10 minutes
  • Strain and cool to lukewarm
  • Use as gargle/mouthwash
  • Prepare fresh daily

3. Myrrh Essential Oil (Commercial)

Topical and aromatherapy use

ALWAYS DILUTE - Never apply undiluted to skin

Dilution Ratios:

  • Face: 1% (1 drop per tablespoon carrier oil)
  • Body: 2-3% (2-3 drops per tablespoon carrier oil)
  • Wounds/Acute: 5% for short-term use

Uses:

  • Wounds: Apply diluted oil to cuts, scrapes
  • Skin Care: Add to facial serums for anti-aging
  • Fungal Infections: Apply to athlete's foot, ringworm
  • Massage: Dilute in massage oil for pain relief
  • Anointing: Ritual anointing of chakras, third eye
  • Diffuser: 3-5 drops for meditation and contemplation

4. Burning as Incense

For spiritual practice, protection, purification

  1. Light self-igniting charcoal disc in heat-safe burner
  2. Wait until fully ignited and covered with white ash
  3. Place small piece of myrrh resin on hot charcoal
  4. Myrrh will melt, smoke, and release deep, earthy fragrance
  5. Add more resin as needed
  6. Use for meditation, ritual, space clearing, ancestor work

Note: Myrrh smoke is heavier and earthier than frankincense - very grounding

5. Myrrh-Infused Oil (Topical)

For massage, salves, wound care

  1. Fill jar 1/3 full with powdered or finely crushed myrrh
  2. Cover completely with carrier oil (olive, jojoba, sweet almond)
  3. Option 1: Warm sunny window for 4-6 weeks, shake daily
  4. Option 2: Gentle heat in double boiler, 2-4 hours on low
  5. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing well
  6. Store in dark glass bottle

Uses: Massage oil, wound care, skin conditions, ritual anointing

6. Myrrh Salve (Healing Ointment)

For wounds, cuts, fungal infections, dry skin

  1. Make myrrh-infused oil (see above)
  2. For every 1 cup oil, add 1-2 tablespoons beeswax
  3. Heat gently in double boiler until wax melts
  4. Optional: Add 10-15 drops myrrh essential oil
  5. Pour into tins or jars
  6. Cool completely before using

Application: Apply to wounds, cuts, fungal infections, chapped skin 2-3 times daily

7. Myrrh Powder (Internal Use)

CAUTION: Use only small amounts, not long-term

  • Grind myrrh resin into fine powder (coffee grinder works)
  • Dosage: 500mg-1g (about 1/4 tsp) 1-2 times daily with food
  • Can encapsulate for easier ingestion
  • Can mix into honey
  • Uses: Digestive issues, infections, inflammation
  • Not for long-term use - take breaks

8. Myrrh Decoction (Water Extract)

Gentle internal use or external wash

  1. Add 1-2 teaspoons crushed myrrh to 2 cups water
  2. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer
  3. Simmer covered for 20-30 minutes
  4. Strain through fine mesh
  5. Drink 1/2 cup 1-2 times daily, OR
  6. Use as external wash for wounds, skin conditions

Taste: Very bitter - add honey if drinking

9. Sacred Incense Blends

Temple Blend (Frankincense and Myrrh):

  • 2 parts frankincense
  • 1 part myrrh
  • 1 part sandalwood
  • 1/2 part benzoin

Death/Ancestor Blend:

  • 2 parts myrrh
  • 1 part cedar
  • 1 part mugwort
  • 1/2 part rose petals

Protection Blend:

  • 2 parts myrrh
  • 1 part dragon's blood
  • 1 part copal
  • Pinch of black salt

10. Myrrh Ritual Bath

For protection, grounding, shadow work, grief

  1. Brew strong myrrh tea: simmer large handful crushed myrrh in 1 quart water
  2. Steep 30 minutes, strain
  3. Add to bath water
  4. Optional additions: sea salt, black salt, rose petals, mugwort
  5. Soak 20-30 minutes
  6. Set intention (protection, release, transformation)
  7. Air dry or pat dry

Safety Information and Contraindications

CRITICAL WARNING - PREGNANCY

Contraindications for Internal Use

Essential Oil Safety

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Drug Interactions

Dosage Limits

Allergic Reactions

Smoke Inhalation

Quality and Sourcing

Sustainability

Storage

Who Should Absolutely Avoid Myrrh

When to Consult Healthcare Provider

Modern Scientific Research

Antimicrobial Studies

Oral Health Research

Wound Healing

Anti-Inflammatory Research

Cancer Research (Preclinical)

Parasitic Infections

Antioxidant Properties

Ongoing Research Areas

Related Pages and Cross-References

Related Mythology and Traditions

Related Universal Sacred Plants

Related Magical Practices

Related Archetypes

Resources and Further Reading

Books

Scientific Literature

Historical Sources