Myrrh
The beneficial properties and uses of myrrh
Description of myrrh
Myrrh is a unique plant native to the dry climates of Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia. Such an interesting small tree reaches only 3 meters in height. Outwardly, it strongly resembles a small cedar. At the ends of the branches attached to the trunk, there are typical thorns. This tree has a sparse deciduous cover with small twisted leaves. Most often they are trifoliate, but it also happens that only the middle leaf develops.
The flowers that bloom on this tree, like leaves, often do not grow to large sizes. The myrrh petals are twisted. They are colored red or bloody. Small flowers of the plant are always combined into inflorescences in the form of graceful panicles. In the bark of myrrh there are glandular passages. They contain milky juice. It is obtained by cuts in the bark of a tree. Drying up, the juice hardens and becomes brown with yellowish or gray blotches.
The beneficial properties of myrrh
About ten percent of the active ingredients in myrrh are essential oil. The tree also contains resin, which is three times more than oil. In small quantities, a special mucus is also found in the plant. The tree has a very pleasant balsamic aroma, warm and sweet. But sharp, slightly bitter notes also slip through. One of the healthiest foods in myrrh is resin pieces of various sizes. They usually have a pleasant amber or slightly brownish color. The darker the resin color, the higher its quality.
Myrrh is called a medicinal plant for a reason. It has a wide range of useful properties. The plant perfectly helps in the treatment of the respiratory system, which is affected by serious infectious diseases. Various medicinal preparations containing the presented plant are indicated for colds and bronchitis.
It should be mentioned that myrrh has an excellent astringent and expectorant effect, therefore it is an excellent assistant in eliminating lung infections. Also, this medicinal plant provides a powerful tonic effect on the stomach and stimulates its work. It has a positive effect on the important digestive system, helps in the fight against diarrhea and helps restore intestinal microflora. Myrrh works well with a variety of mouth ulcers. It is often used for gum disease.
This wonderful plant contains a bioactive complex that protects the liver from toxins and improves its performance. It has a regenerating effect and helps the healing of mucous membranes. You can see this plant in the composition of various pharmacological agents indicated for the treatment of bruises and abrasions.
Myrrh application
Myrrh has been used successfully as an expectorant because it can dry out excess mucus inside the lungs. Also, such a wonderful plant can be used as a component for massage oils and mixtures. Special preparations are also used in medical inhalations to restore the respiratory organs.
Myrrh oil
There is a legend that the herders received myrrh oil for the first time. They collected tar from the wool of the goats they grazed. The resin stuck to it when the goats rubbed against the wood bark. Oil has been used since the days of ancient civilizations. The warriors took ointments containing myrrh with them on campaigns to heal wounds, because the healing properties of this plant were highly valued. In Egypt, oil was used to create embalming mixtures.
Oil is obtained from resin by distilling it. Its color can vary from light yellow to deep amber. The aroma of such a miraculous oil is smoky, with a bit of bitterness. This product is successfully used as a component of cosmetic products. They boast a deep anti-aging effect. It is thanks to the presence of myrrh in the product that wrinkles are quickly smoothed out, and the skin is matted and gains unprecedented elasticity. This medicinal plant also eliminates allergic skin diseases.
Myrrh is excellent for skin rashes, as it has an unsurpassed anti-inflammatory effect. It is also an excellent remedy for reducing unsightly stretch marks on the skin. The plant effectively repairs hard-to-heal extensive wounds and deep ulcers. You can also use the oil at home, because it is great for fighting acne and skin lesions.
For the treatment of numerous skin conditions, it is necessary to use pure myrrh oil. But you should be careful and apply the product only to the affected skin in a small amount. You can also add oil to facial products to enhance their effectiveness. Another useful property of the oil is the restoration and strengthening of hair, as well as protection against hair loss. It is enough to add a few drops of oil to your regular shampoo to make your hair more shiny and lush.
The list of useful properties and areas of application of essential oil does not end there. You can take a bath by mixing a few drops of butter with milk and adding this mixture to water. This procedure will leave the skin silky and soft. The aroma of myrrh has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. The oil helps fight lingering depression, daily stress, and also improves sleep. To achieve this effect, it is recommended to add 5-6 drops of oil to the aroma lamp.
Myrrh tincture
A unique tincture of myrrh is created on the basis of the essential oil contained in this medicinal plant. It is great for gum disease, mouth ulcers and other inflammatory processes in the mouth. It is recommended to add a few drops of oil to a glass of water, stir and rinse your mouth with the resulting product. Rinsing should be done at least twice a day. After this procedure, the inflammation quickly disappears, and the ulcers heal in a few days.
Such a fantastic liqueur tastes bitter. It can also be used to lubricate the affected areas of the gums in case of focal inflammation. Given this property of myrrh, it is often added to the composition of some professional toothpastes, compensating for the bitterness of the plant with mint oil.
Myrrh contraindications
With external use, this medicinal plant has no contraindications. Myrrh should not be prescribed for various liver diseases, for inflammation of the intestines and kidney infections in the acute stage. Eating the plant inside is not recommended for expectant mothers.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
