© Franz Eugen Köhler (Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen) · Public domain · Commons
Myrrh
CautionMyrrhe (Echte Myrrhe) · (Commiphora myrrha)
Torchwood family (Burseraceae)
Description
Myrrh is a thorny small tree or shrub native to north-eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, Oman). When the bark is wounded, a fragrant oleo-gum-resin exudes and hardens in the air into reddish-brown, brittle tears. This resin (Myrrha) has been used since antiquity as incense, for embalming, and as a medicine. The bark is two-layered, with a silvery-grey papery outer layer and a green inner layer.
External use only!
This plant must NOT be taken internally. Use only as compress, salve, or bath.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy. Myrrh is traditionally regarded as an emmenagogue and uterine stimulant; safety has not been established.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Do not use in children under 12 years of age (EMA monograph).
Traditional use for minor inflammation and small ulcers (sores) of the mouth and throat mucosa.
Preparation & dosage
Dab myrrh tincture (from the bark resin) undiluted onto the affected mouth or throat mucosa 2-3× daily with a cotton swab, or add 5-10 drops to a glass of water and use as a mouthwash/gargle. Do not swallow in larger amounts.
- Doses per day
- 3×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per the EMA monograph, use only in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.
Traditional topical use for minor wounds and small boils (skin sores).
Preparation & dosage
Apply myrrh tincture or a resin-based salve thinly to minor wounds and small boils. The alcohol in the tincture may cause short-lived stinging on application to the skin.
- Doses per day
- 3×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per the EMA monograph, use only in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.
⚠ External use only
For local use in the mouth/throat and on the skin only. Do not swallow in larger amounts. Tinctures contain alcohol, which may cause short-lived stinging or irritation on application. Allergic skin reactions are possible (frequency not known). Do not use in case of hypersensitivity. Avoid during pregnancy, as myrrh is traditionally regarded as an emmenagogue / uterine stimulant. If symptoms persist for more than 1 week or worsen, seek medical advice.
Do not use during pregnancy. Myrrh is traditionally regarded as an emmenagogue and uterine stimulant; safety has not been established.
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established; use is not recommended.
Do not use in children under 12 years of age (EMA monograph).
Drug interactions
Antidiabetika / blutzuckersenkende Mittel
Possible additive blood-glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood sugar with systemic intake. Low relevance for topical use.
Antikoagulanzien / gerinnungshemmende Mittel
Theoretically additive anticoagulant effect; monitor with concurrent use. Low relevance for topical use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Hypersensitivity to myrrh
Harvested part: oleo-gum-resin from the bark (Myrrha)
- Time of day:
- during the day in the dry season
- Drying:
- Let the exuded resin harden in the air until it forms reddish-brown tears; then collect and store dry.
- Ätherisches Öl (2,5-10 %)Essential oilContent: 2.5-10%Bark
Contributes mainly to the characteristic fragrance; consists largely of furanosesquiterpenes.
- Furanoeudesma-1,3-dienSesquiterpene
Lead furanosesquiterpene of the essential oil; associated with analgesic properties.
- CurzerenSesquiterpene
Furanosesquiterpene of myrrh oil.
- LindestrenSesquiterpene
Another characteristic furanosesquiterpene of myrrh.
- Harz (Commiphorasäuren, 25-40 %)OtherContent: 25-40%Bark
Resin fraction containing commiphoric acids and triterpenoid compounds.
- Gummi (Polysaccharide)Polysaccharide
Water-soluble gum fraction of polysaccharides; makes the resin an oleo-gum-resin.
- BitterstoffBitter
Gives myrrh its characteristic bitter taste.
- [1]MonographEuropean Medicines Agency (HMPC): Myrrha - Herbal medicine for potential use(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [6]MonographESCOP Monographs: Myrrha (Myrrh)(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [7]MonographChemistry, pharmacology and medicinal properties of Commiphora myrrha resin (PubMed review)(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [2]WikipediaMyrrhe - Wikipedia (DE)(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [3]WikipediaCommiphora myrrha - Wikipedia (EN)(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [5]CommonsCommiphora myrrha - Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, plate 019 (1897)(accessed: 2026-07-02)
- [4]WikidataCommiphora myrrha (Q311830) - Wikidata(accessed: 2026-07-02)
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In your garden, this plant acts as: