![\"Myrrh\"](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/myrrh.jpg\")
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Most people have heard of myrrh in biblical stories; in fact, this ancient plant product is mentioned in the Bible more than 150 times. But you may not know why the gift of myrrh from the Magi at the birth of Christ was considered so special. Here\u2019s a look at the history of myrrh and how myrrh essential oil can be incorporated into your present-day health and wellness routines. <\/span><\/p>\n Myrrh essential oil is made by steam distillation from the resin (sap) of the <\/span>Commiphora myrrha<\/span><\/i> tree. The myrrh tree is native to Africa and the Middle East, hence the use of myrrh in ancient times and its many inclusions in the Bible. The myrrh tree is botanically close to frankincense (Boswellia), and both frankincense and myrrh are commonly found together in historic texts as well as in present-day recipes. The <\/span>Commiphora myrrha<\/span><\/i> tree grows with a knotted trunk from the winds in its desert environment, and it produces white flowers with few leaves. <\/span><\/p>\n The word \u201cmyrrh\u201d in English comes from the Arabic word \u201cmurr,\u201d which means bitter. Thousands of years ago, myrrh was used in Ayurvedic<\/a> (Ancient Indian) and Chinese medicine, and it is still utilized in those practices today<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Myrrh was also used by Ancient Egyptians and Jews. Frequently, the resin was burned over hot coals to produce an incense-like effect, and it was incorporated in the embalming process as well, where it was thought to purify the dead in their passage to the afterlife. Myrrh often has religious and funereal connotations associated with it, but it can also be uplifting when combined with certain essential oils, such as citrus essential oils. <\/span><\/p>\n As noted below, myrrh has many uses in both fragrance and health. It has long been both a fixative and aroma element in perfume products. Myrrh was also used in cooking to flavor food, and it has many medicinal features. It contains both chemical terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, which provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Myrrh is also calming because it works on the brain\u2019s hypothalamus. This makes it the perfect essential oil for psychological and emotional relief, in addition to physical care. <\/span><\/p>\n Because it has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, myrrh essential oil is great for soothing sores of the mouth and for treating gingivitis (gum inflammation). Myrrh also relieves toothaches and freshens the breath. You can add a drop or two of myrrh essential oil to your mouthwash or toothpaste for its freshening and healing benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a0Healthy Gums with Essential Oils<\/a><\/p>\n Myrrh can stimulate your immune system by helping your body\u2019s own cells repel undesirable elements and heal illnesses. Myrrh essential oil can be ingested, but to avoid side effects from too much myrrh essential oil, like diarrhea, consult a healthcare professional about the dose, or use an alternative route of administration, like topical or inhaled myrrh essential oil. You can add myrrh essential oil to lotions or carrier oils, or you can inhale it by putting it in a diffuser, humidifier, or inhaler. You can even use it in the shower or bath, like you would eucalyptus or mint essential oils. <\/span><\/p>\n As noted above, myrrh is safe to ingest in small amounts. When used to improve digestion, this is the proper type of administration. Myrrh can alleviate flatulence, dyspepsia, and indigestion, and some users have found it also helps hemorrhoids. <\/span><\/p>\n Myrrh has expectorant properties, and it is therefore often used to help rid the body of excess phlegm. It also works to help fight coughs and colds and soothes sore throats.<\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a0How to Safely Inhale Essential Oils<\/a><\/p>\n Myrrh has antimicrobial properties and can protect you from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In addition to using myrrh essential oil in your toothpaste and mouthwash to fight germs in your mouth, you can use myrrh essential oil under bandages or poultices to repel microbes and help your body\u2019s immune system. <\/span><\/p>\n If you suffer from hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), you may be looking for natural ways to boost the function of your thyroid, which helps manage metabolism, and when not working properly can cause fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, dry skin, and hair loss. Myrrh essential oil is ideal to help supplement your thyroid medication (see recipe below) to get your thyroid hormone levels back up to normal. <\/span><\/p>\n As both an antimicrobial and astringent, myrrh essential oil can be used topically on the skin to improve its appearance and make it feel smoother and tighter. Simply add a drop or two of myrrh essential oil to your toner or to a moist cotton swab, and wipe it on your face. You can also use myrrh essential oil toner anywhere you have enlarged pores or breakouts, such as your neck or back. Adding myrrh essential oil to your moisturizer or to coconut oil to hydrate your face is also a great way to incorporate its benefits into your beauty routine.<\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a05 EO Recipes for Dry, Cracked & Flaky Skin<\/a><\/p>\n Myrrh essential oil doesn\u2019t just benefit your physical health; it can help you psychologically as well. By using myrrh essential oil in a candle, diffuser, or products applied to your skin, you can become calmer and feel less wildly emotional. Myrrh essential oil is ideal to use during meditation or when you are focusing on your <\/span>root or solar plexus chakras<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Related:\u00a014 EOs for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\n Directions:<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\n Directions: <\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\n Directions:<\/span><\/p>\n Note: you can substitute other carrier oils for the Turkey red oil, but the bath bombs will mix less easily in your bath water, and you may be left with slippery spots in the tub. <\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients: <\/span><\/p>\n Directions: <\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\n Directions:<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\n Directions:<\/span><\/p>\n Ingredients:<\/span><\/p>\nOrigins of Myrrh and Myrrh Essential Oil<\/h1>\n
Myrrh in History<\/h1>\n
Eight Uses for Myrrh Essential Oil<\/h1>\n
![\"Myrrh](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Myrrh-for-Oral-Health-Gums.png\")
<\/p>\n1.) To Treat Diseases of the Mouth and Gums<\/h2>\n
2.) To Boost the Immune System<\/b><\/h2>\n
3.) To Promote Digestive Health<\/h2>\n
4.) To Calm Respiratory Problems<\/h2>\n
5.) \u00a0To Protect Wounds from Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi<\/h2>\n
6.) \u00a0To Improve Thyroid Function<\/h2>\n
7.) To Make Skin Look and Feel Better<\/h2>\n
8.) To Calm and Ground Emotions<\/h2>\n
9 DIY Myrrh Essential Oil Recipes
\n<\/b><\/h1>\n![\"frankincense\"](\"http:\/\/essentialoilsanctuary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/frankincense.jpg\")
<\/p>\n1.) Thyroid Support Rollerball<\/h2>\n
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2.) Poison Ivy Relief Balm<\/h2>\n
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3.) Gifts of the Magi Bath Bombs<\/h2>\n
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4.) Oil Blend for Minimizing Scars and Stretch Marks<\/b><\/h2>\n
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5.) Tattoo Aftercare Balm<\/h2>\n
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6.) Nail Strengthener<\/h2>\n
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7.) Cuticle Cream<\/h2>\n
![reflexology points<\/span><\/a> on the soles of the feet to boost thyroid function with hypothyroidism (low thyroid).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n2.) Poison Ivy Relief Balm<\/h2>\nIngredients:<\/span><\/p>\n\n12 drops lavender essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n6 drops myrrh essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n30 ml carrier oil (jojoba<\/a>, coconut<\/a>, olive, almond<\/a>, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDirections: <\/span><\/p>\n\nCombine the two essential oils in a glass bottle.<\/span><\/li>\nAdd the carrier oil.<\/span><\/li>\nApply to poison ivy rash to sooth itching and irritation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n3.) Gifts of the Magi Bath Bombs<\/h2>\nIngredients:<\/span><\/p>\n\n10 drops myrrh EO\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n40 drops frankincense EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n1 tablespoon Turkey red oil<\/a> (AKA sulfated castor oil that disperses in water)<\/span><\/li>\n1 cup baking soda<\/span><\/li>\n\u2154 cup epsom salts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\u00bd cup citric acid<\/span><\/li>\n\u00bd teaspoon gold mica<\/a><\/span><\/li>\nwitch hazel or water in a mister<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDirections:<\/span><\/p>\n\nCombine the essential oils, Epsom salts, gold mica, baking soda, and Turkey red oil in a food processor. Transfer to a large bowl and spread the mixture out.<\/span><\/li>\nAdd in the citric acid until ingredients are completely mixed.<\/span><\/li>\nSpread the mixture in the bowl, so the largest surface area is exposed.<\/span><\/li>\nSpritz the mixture with either witch hazel or water (witch hazel is more desirable as it dries faster).<\/span><\/li>\nStir the mixture and repeat spritzing until a clump of the dough will hold together in your hand when you squeeze it. <\/span><\/li>\nPack the mixture into molds of your choice, about \u00bc cup per mold\/bath bomb. This recipe should make about eight bath bombs. <\/span><\/li>\nCarefully turn each bath bomb out of its mold onto a sheet of wax paper. <\/span><\/li>\nAllow the bath bombs to dry overnight, turning one time during the drying process. <\/span><\/li>\nDrop into a hot bath and enjoy the fizzing, moisturizing aromatherapy, or give to friends and family as a holiday gift.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\nNote: you can substitute other carrier oils for the Turkey red oil, but the bath bombs will mix less easily in your bath water, and you may be left with slippery spots in the tub. <\/span><\/p>\n4.) Oil Blend for Minimizing Scars and Stretch Marks<\/b><\/h2>\nIngredients: <\/span><\/p>\n\n5 drops myrrh EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n10 drops helichrysum EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n4 drops patchouli EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n6 drops lavender EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n8 drops lemongrass EO<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDirections: <\/span><\/p>\n\nAdd 1 ounce of your favorite carrier oil to a small dropper bottle. <\/span><\/li>\nAdd each of the essential oils listed above one at a time. <\/span><\/li>\nRoll the bottle between your hands after adding each oil to incorporate it fully. <\/span><\/li>\nApply oil to scars or stretch marks to minimize their feel and appearance. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n5.) Tattoo Aftercare Balm<\/h2>\nIngredients:<\/span><\/p>\n\n5 drops myrrh essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n5 drops lavender essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n5 drops cedarwood essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n5 drops frankincense essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\u00bd cup grapeseed oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\u00bd cup almond oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\u00bd tablespoon vitamin E oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n2 tablespoons beeswax<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDirections:<\/span><\/p>\n\nMelt the beeswax in a double boiler, such as a Pyrex measuring cup in a saucepan of hot water. <\/span><\/li>\nAdd the grapeseed oil, almond oil, and vitamin E. Combine and set aside for 3 minutes. <\/span><\/li>\nAdd the essential oils, and blend.<\/span><\/li>\nStore in a clean glass container. Allow to sit for a minimum of 2 hours before applying to skin.<\/span><\/li>\nUse on fresh tattoos to help them heal faster, without irritation or infection. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n6.) Nail Strengthener<\/h2>\nIngredients:<\/span><\/p>\n\n15 drops myrrh essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n15 drops lavender essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n2 vitamin E capsules<\/span><\/li>\n1 oz. (approximately) carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut<\/a>, almond<\/a>, jojoba<\/a>, avocado<\/a>, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDirections:<\/span><\/p>\n\nAdd the myrrh and lavender essential oils to a small dropper bottle<\/a>. <\/span><\/li>\nOpen the vitamin E capsules and empty them into the bottle. <\/span><\/li>\nTop the mixture with the carrier oil. <\/span><\/li>\nPlace the lid on the bottle, and shake to combine the ingredients. <\/span><\/li>\nApply to nails regularly with a cotton swab or small brush to make them stronger and healthier looking. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n7.) Cuticle Cream<\/h2>\nIngredients:<\/span><\/p>\n\n7 drops myrrh essential oil<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n2 tablespoons shea butter<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n](\"http:\/\/cupressurepointsguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/foot-reflexology.jpg\"){kind=link}