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Myrrh

Myrrh is a resin that exudes from cuts in the bark of trees belonging to the Commiphora species. Commiphora mukul, a related species, is not a source of myrrh. Myrrh is used to make medicine. Myrrh is used for stomach upsets, ulcers, colds, asthma, congested airways, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, convulsions and syphilis. It is also used as a stimulant and to increase menstrual flow. Myrrh is applied directly to the skin for sores and swellings, inflamed gums, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, bad breath and chapped lips. It is also used for hemorrhoids, pressure sores, wounds, abrasions and boils on the skin. Myrrh is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages. In industrial production, myrrh is used as a fragrance, in incense and as a fixative in cosmetics. Myrrh is also used in embalming.

How does myrrh work?

Myrrh can help reduce inflammatory swelling and kill bacteria.

How effective is myrrh?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective myrrh is for stomach upsets, ulcers, colds, coughs, asthma, congested airways, joint pain, hemorrhoids, bad breath and inflammation of the mouth and throat. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of myrrh in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Myrrh appears to be safe and harmless for most people when used in small amounts. It can cause some side effects such as skin rashes when applied to the skin and diarrhea when taken orally. Large amounts of myrrh are not safe and harmless. Amounts above 2 to 4 grams can cause kidney irritation and changes in heart rate.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Myrrh is not safe to take during pregnancy and should be avoided. Myrrh can stimulate the uterus and could cause miscarriages. There is not enough information regarding the safety of using myrrh on the skin during pregnancy, so pregnant women should also avoid using it on the skin until more is known.

Breastfeeding women should avoid myrrh as not enough is known about the safety of myrrh while breastfeeding.

Diabetes: Myrrh could lower blood sugar levels and taking myrrh in conjunction with diabetes medication could lower blood sugar levels too much, so diabetics should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when using myrrh.

Fever: Myrrh may exacerbate fever and should therefore be used with caution in cases of fever.

Heart problems: Large amounts of myrrh can affect the heart rate. If you suffer from a heart condition, you should consult your doctor before using myrrh.

Operations: Myrrh may lower blood sugar levels and there are therefore concerns that myrrh may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. For this reason, you should stop taking myrrh two weeks before any upcoming operations.

Systemic inflammation: If one suffers from systemic inflammation, myrrh should be used with caution as it could aggravate this condition.

Uterine bleeding: Myrrh seems to be able to stimulate uterine bleeding, which is why some women use myrrh to induce their menstrual periods. If suffering from uterine bleeding, myrrh should be used with caution as it may aggravate this condition.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining myrrh with the following medications:

Diabetes medications

Myrrh could lower blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking myrrh in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of the diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of myrrh depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for myrrh. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Al Faraj S. Antagonism of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin caused by the use of Commiphora molmol as a herbal medication: a case report. Ann Trop Med Parasitol 2005;99:219-20.
  2. al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, et al. Anticarcinogenic effect of Commiphora molmol on solid tumors induced by Ehrlich carcinoma cells in mice. Chemotherapy 1994:40:337-47.
  3. al-Harbi MM, Qureshi S, Raza M, et al. Gastric antiulcer and cytoprotective effect of Commiphora molmol in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;55:141-50.