Page 6 - Myrrh e-Book

Plant Description

Native to regions in Africa and Arabia, the Commiphora
myrrha is a small tree that produces a sap that hardens into the

resin known as myrrh. Typically a thorny tree or shrub, the myrrh

tree produces few leaves and rugged, angled branches. Due to

its highly aromatic nature, myrrh has been used since ancient
times for medicine, perfumery, incense, religious purposes, and

burials. When extracted, sap from the myrrh tree, also referred to

as myrrh gum, eventually hardens and dries into myrrh resin.
When the myrrh tree is harvested, it “bleeds” the tree sap, which

then turns hard and glossy. Through steam distillation, myrrh resin

is converted into an essential oil with a dry, woody aroma.

Chemistry of Myrrh Essential Oil

Main Chemical Components:
Furanoedudesma, 1,3-diene, curzerene

Due to its chemical design, Myrrh oil has proven to be helpful for
cleansing, improving the appearance of skin, and promoting

grounding feelings or the balancing of emotions.

The sesquiterpene ethers in Myrrh oil are known for their soothing

properties, which is why Myrrh is useful for soothing the skin or
soothing emotions. One of the primary sesquiterpene ethers in

Myrrh oil, curzerene, is commonly added to skin care products

because of its ability to improve the appearance of skin.

Myrrh essential oil is a woody, resinous oil with powerful effects on

the mind and body. Historically used as a perfume and incense,

Myrrh offers skin-beautifying benefits, emotionally balancing
qualities, immune system support*, and the promotion of oral

hygiene.