Myrrh oil is one of those ancient elusive oils. Are you racking your brains to figure out where you’ve heard the name before? It’s the other oil that was brought to the baby Jesus by the three kings. Remember, they brought him gold, frankincense and myrrh. As fate would have it, it’s kind of like Batman and Robin, frankincense oil gets most of the attention. Part of the problem is that they are very similar – both are resin, both come from the same part of the world, and they both have many of the same properties. However, they are different oils and they each can be a valuable addition to your essential oil arsenal, and together they are indeed the dynamic duo of essential oil.
In ancient times myrrh oil was widely used for embalming bodies because it absorbed moisture and helped prevent worms from breeding. In fact many believe that is why Jesus was given the oil in the first place because even from infancy the wise men knew he would die on the cross. Essential oils were often valued more than gold in ancient times because of the labor and effort that went into producing them. Myrrh oil was also valued for it’s medicinal properties and fragrance. Luckily, we live in a time where things are easier to produce and you don’t have to be a king to enjoy the benefits of this special oil.
When I think of myrrh oil I think of skin care and oral hygiene first and that is where I’ve applied myrrh in my own life. It is in my toothpaste and I use it in my Soothing Salve. I also have a cold as I write this post and have it diffusing along with a couple of drops of Respire.
Blends Well With:
Bergamot, chamomile, clove, cypress, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, patchouli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, melaleuca (tea tree), vetiver, ylang ylang.
Plant Parts Used:
The dried sap or resin of the Commiphora Myrrha tree.
Extraction:
Myrrh Oil is extracted through steam distillation.
How To Use Myrrh Oil
Health
Damaged Skin–Use a few drops in homemade salves and lotions to soothe dry skin or damaged skin. Check out my recipe here.
Toothpaste/Oral Hygiene–Myrrh is often used in toothpaste to help fight gingivitis, canker sores and bad breathe. Use a few drops in homemade toothpaste or apply directly to affected area.
Antioxidant–Myrrh is high in antioxidants, which help to keep cells healthy and may help to heal damaged cells. Place a few drops diluted with a carrier oil on skin to help reduce aging signs or place 2 drops in a capsule and use internally (Always use caution when ingesting any essential oil).
Immune Strength–Myrrh can reduce the severity of fever, food poisoning and other infections because of antimicrobial properties. Diffuse myrrh oil at the first signs of distress from an infection.
Respiratory Problems–Myrrh can help relieve mild coughs. Diffuse at the first sign of a cough.
Reduce Inflammation–Place a few drops mixed with a carrier oil on sore or tired muscles.
Deodorant–Use a few drops in homemade deodorant for the fragrance and because Myrrh helps maintain healthy skin.
Mood
Meditation–Myrrh (along with Frankincense) is well known for promoting peace and calming. It’s a great oil to diffuse while you take a few moments to prepare for your day or take a few minutes at the end of the day to reflect.
Depression–Since Myrrh is thought to bring your mind back into balance it could help with mild depression. Apply a few drops mixed with a carrier oil on the pulse points of your body or use a personal diffuser to lift your mood.
Cleaning/Other
Air Freshener–Myrrh has been used as an air freshener for centuries. Diffuse a few drops to get of unwanted odors.
Antiseptic–Use a few drops in a homemade hand sanitizer. It will help kill germs and soothe damaged skin.
Perfume–Along with Frankincense, Myrrh has been used as a perfume through the ages, as it has a fresh woody scent. Apply a few drops mixed with a carrier oil everywhere you would apply perfume.
Blends
Prayer Blend
Diffuse:
4 drops Frankincense Oil
4 drops Myrrh Oil
Natural Homemade Mouthwash
½ c Filtered Water
1 t Calcium Magnesium Powder
2 drops Cinnamon Oil
2 drops Peppermint Oil
2 drops Clove Oil
2 drops Myrrh Oil
Mix all ingredients together in a glass bottle and use after you brush your teeth as an added layer of protection.
Sore Muscle Relief Blend
7 drops Rosemary Oil
7 drops Eucalyptus Oil
7 drops Peppermint Oil
7 drops Frankincense Oil
7 drops Myrrh Oil
7 drops Geranium Oil
1/4 c carrier oil (I like almond oil)
Mix all oil together in a glass bottle and apply to sore muscles.
Soothing Skin Salve
¼ c Coconut Oil
¼ c Cocoa Butter
¼ c Shea Butter
¼ c Almond Oil
2 capsules Vitamin E (optional)
8 drops Chamomile Oil
8 drops Myrrh Oil
2 drops Patchouli Oil
4 drops Lavender Oil
Melt coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, almond oil, and vitamin E in double boiler. Add the remaining ingredients in a glass jar. Pour warm ingredients into glass jar and allow to cool. Click here for complete step-by-step directions.
Cautions:
Myrrh should not be used during pregnancy as it stimulates the uterus and could cause a miscarriage. It might cause a drop in blood sugar. Also, using myrrh in large quantities could cause heart problems. Read more about possible side effects here.
Don’t forget that I highly recommend Spark Naturals for all your essential oil needs and when you use coupon code AWCOW you’ll get 10% off your purchase. Click here to order their myrrh oil.
