Description: Magickal, Botanical
An excellent antiseptic. The power is used to brush the teeth and freshen the breath. Good for chest colds.
Burning myrrh is believed to send evil spirits on their way. It purifies ritual tools, as does frankincense or a mixture of the two. (So the magi presented Jesus with a first aid kit.) Incense to bring good fortune and money.
Commiphora myrrh (species) Burseraceae (family) also know as Balsamodendrom myrrha, gum myrrh, common myrrh, hirabol myrrh and myrrha.
The trunk of these shrubs or small trees exudes a natural oleoresin,
a pale yellow liquid which hardens into reddish-brown tears (myrrh). Collectors make
incisions in the bark to increase the yeild. They have sturdy knotted branches, trifoliate
aromatic leaves and small white flowers and are native to north east Africa and south west
Asia (especially the Red Sea region - Somalia, Yemen and Ethiopia).
Other species used for resins:
African or Somali myrrh from C. molmol
Arabian or Yemen myrrh from C. abyssinica
Bisabol myrrh (opopanax) also belongs to the same family (C. erthraea).
Properties: anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, revitalizing, sedative, stimulant (digestive, pulmonary), stomachic, tonic, uterine, vulnerary.
The resinoid is a dark reddish-brown viscous mass, with a warm, rich, spicy-balsamic odour. It is not pourable at room temperature.
The essential oil is a pale yellow to amber oily liquid. It blends well with frankincense, sandalwood, benzoin, oakmoss, cypress, juniper, mandarin, geranium, patchouli, thyme, mints, lavender, pine and spices.