History

• The Pharaohs of Egypt were embalmed using myrrh and the scent was used for religious ceremonies. During Old Testament times, myrrh was just as valuable as gold, and ancient Sumerians used it as a medication for worms and tooth infections. Once myrrh was traded in China during the 4th century, it was used as incense and for treating any malady having to do with circulation of the blood.
  
  

Facts

• Trees that produce myrrh grow in India, Africa, Arabia, the Middle East and Mediterranean regions in semiarid locations. The trees or shrubs are tapped in order to collect sap, which is hardened and dried into a long-lasting resin that does not decay. Myrrh comes from several types of Commiphora trees or shrubs, including Erythraea, Abyssian, Mecca, Somalian, African and Arabian myrrh trees. Myrrh has a bitter flavor and causes vomiting or nausea in some individuals. Too much irritates the stomach and causes injury.
  
  

Collecting Myrrh

• Trees and shrubs are easily tapped as they usually only grow about 10 feet tall. The bark is intentionally cut in 2-inch incisions and a pale yellow liquid slowly comes out. Two weeks after tapping, the resin hardens around the cut and a collector is sent out to gather it by prying it off the tree. Trees are tapped several times during a season. Somalian myrrh is tapped at 15-day intervals, while others have a shorter or longer rest period to gather strength.
  
  

Processing

• The hardened sap is stored for at least 12 weeks in order to ensure it is totally dry. The yellowish resin turns to a rich reddish brown with white patches. The resin is sold and the merchant usually sorts it by size and quality, giving it a grade. It is then made into medications, perfumes, oils and other items.
  
  

Uses

• Medical uses for myrrh are many. Myrrh has been used to get rid of headaches, jaundice, indigestion and fatigue, and to treat gout, leprosy, syphilis and cancer. Today, it is ground and placed in capsules or used as a decoction to treat problems related to blood circulation, or soothe swelling and pain of injuries. It also aids in healing of skin irritations. Myrrh is a main ingredient in many perfumes, lotions, creams, hair preparations and cosmetics. Myrrh is included in mouthwash because it is an astringent and kills bacteria. Myrrh is also a component in air fresheners.