Myrrh Essential Oil / Resinoid

Latin name Commiphora myrrha – Family species Burseraceae

Myrrh is also sometimes referred to as Myrrha, Balsamodendrom Myrrha, Gum Myrrh, Common Myrrh, and Hirabol Myrrh. A resinoid and oil are produced.

“Myrrh was probably more widely used in ancient times than any other aromatic for incense, perfumes, and medicines. Its popularity as a perfume is not easy to understand, as it is not the sweetest of oils. It has a musty, balsamic, incense-like smell, and gives a pleasant smoky background to blends when used in small quantities.” -Robert B. Tisserand in The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs

“It [myrrh essential oil] can be added to creams for mature skin, wrinkles, eczema, and cracked heels and hands. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing, it treats slow-healing wounds, including bed sores, and chesty colds.” –Crabtree & Evelyn Fragrant Herbal

Oil Selection Guide

Color – Reddish orange to reddish brown (Resinoid), Pale yellow to amber (Oil)
Viscosity – Viscous (Resinoid), Watery (Oil)
Scent – Earthy, warm, spicy
Perfume Aroma – Base / middle note

Oil Source Information

Plant Type – Shrub/Tree
Parts Used – Resin
Countries of Origin – Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Arabia, Africa, Yemen
Extraction Method – Steam distillation

Known Chemical Constituents

mono and sesquiterpenes, commiphoric acid, heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, cadinene

Applications and Uses

Used in aromatherapy, dentistry, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, perfumery, commercial food and drink.

Myrrh blends well with

Precautions / Contraindications

Possibly toxic if used in high concentrations.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.

References and Resources

See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.

Common misspellings: myrr murr myr merr mere mirth mirr mire myre

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