041 Wild, Organic Myrrh essential oil from Kenya

Myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha) is produced from resin extracted from the Myrrh tree (or shrub) found in the Middle East. The trunk of the Myrrh tree yields a natural oleoresin when pierced, and the pale yellow liquid hardens into reddish-brown drops known as Myrrh (the tree remains healthy after harvest). The oil is a pale yellow/amber oily liquid with a warm, sweet-balsamic, slightly spicy-medicinal scent.

As an ancient 'esoteric' magical herb, Myrrh is said to bridge Heaven and Earth, strengthening the connection between our crown and base chakras. This may allow the manifestation of dreams into this earthly realm. As a 'Funeral' herb, Myrrh is said to ease grief and heal emotional wounds, bringing peace and calm. It's extraction from the solitary tree in the desert represents strength in harsh conditions. Not only was myrrh present at the birth of Christ – as one of the Magi’s three gifts – but at his death as well. Myrrh is thought to have been one of the materials used by the Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon.

Myrrh's first medicinal use was documented some 3700 years ago. Myrrh essential oil is highly prized for it's healing and spiritual powers; the oil has one of the highest sesquiterpene contents - a compound which can directly affect the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdaline. Myrrh oil alone, or in combination with sandalwood and frankincense can be used to anoint the 'third eye' as a meditation or yoga aid. The aroma of Myrrh essential can be uplifting and assist in spiritual opening - like frankincense oil, myrrh's effect on the central nervous system is a gentle and calming one, able to instill a deep tranquility of the mind.

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Gum resin
Note Classification: Base
Aroma: Hot, smoky, herbaceous, woody, dry
Largest Producing Countries: Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia and Kenya
Traditional Use: Used in pharmaceutical products, including mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpaste; also used in dentistry. Extensively used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially oriental types and heavy florals.
Properties: Anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, pectoral, sedative, stimulant (especially pulmonary), stomachic, tonic, uterine, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, calms sexual excitement, catarrh, chlorosis, colds, cough, cracked heels, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, flatulence, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroid, laryngitis, leucorrhea, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, pruritis, pyorrhea, ringworm, sore throat, stomatitis, thrush, treats uterine disorders, tuberculosis, ulcers, voice loss, wasting degenerative disease, wounds, and wrinkles.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, chamomile roman, clove, cypress, eucalyptus citriodora, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mimosa, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, ylang ylang and all spice oils.
Recipe: For mouth sores, try 10 drops myrrh oil, 10 drops of tea tree oil, 10 drops of peppermint oil; add 8 drops of this blend to 4 ounces of warm water and rinse mouth 3 times a day.
Safety Data: Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, possibly toxic in high concentration. Its use while pregnant is not recommended. Not for internal use.

General Guidelines for safe use of essential oils

Be an experienced and knowledgeable user of essential oils and research all oils thoroughly and/or consult with a skilled practitioner before any use.

Dilute all oils being used with a vegetable carrier oil. Skin test all essential oils before using topically. Each person's body is different, so apply oils to a small area first. The inside of the arm is good for this. The bottoms of the feet are two of the safest, most affective places to use essential oils. Discontinue use or dilute further with vegetable oil if there is discomfort or skin irritation.

Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Treat them as you would any product with therapeutic uses. Take special precaution with babies, pregnant women and anyone and everyone with allergies, special conditions and needs.

Keep essential oils away from mucous membranes and the eye area and do not put into ears. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on fingers. Know also that many of the citrus oils and others may cause a rash or darker pigmentation if applied to skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 3 to 4 days of use.

Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their potency for many years.