11 Surprising Benefits and Uses of Myrrh

1. Antioxidant Benefits

We all are aware that Myrhh oil has several benefits in terms of health. The most beneficial part of Myrhh oil has to be its antioxidant benefits which means, it helps to prevent diseases and protect cells against free radical damage.

Research published in the journal"' Food and Chemical Toxicology" found that Myrhh helps to protect against oxidative stress in the body that is caused by environmental pressure such as pollution, noise, and other factors.

Also, researchers found that the antioxidant properties of myrrh protected rabbits against liver damage which might be beneficial for humans too if proper research is done.

2. Kills Harmful Bacteria

Studies have shown that Myrhh can directly kill bacteria and stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells which also kills bacteria. It is used in different foods and beverages to kill harmful bacteria and preserve them from fungi and for a long shelf life.

Using myrrh oil is beneficial for killing harmful bacteria which has been used since a long period before scientists discovered that microbe (bacteria) cause contagious illness. It was used by Ancient Egyptians to prevent the decay of mummies! It also has an impact on some drug-resistant and Lyme disease bacteria.

Additionally, in biblical times, people used to burn myrrh incense to worship. They put it into different worship places to purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases caused by bacteria. Thus, using myrrh to kill harmful bacteria has been a practice from biblical times to this scientific era.

3. Supports Oral Health

If you have noticed the ingredients used in mouthwashes and toothpaste that we use daily, you can find the use of myrrh oil which is approved as a flavor by the FDA. It has been shown to improve healing in cases of canker sores and gingivitis.

Myrrh has traditionally been used to treat oral infections and inflammations. People used myrrh for safe oral health before it was scientifically proven. Now, it has become popular and people are using it daily as their toothpaste and mouthwash.

People with inflammatory disorders can use myrrh mouthwash to treat gum diseases and painful mouth sores. However, you should always keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral care products. Also, high doses of myrrh can be very toxic.

Consult your healthcare provider before using myrrh mouthwash if you had oral surgery before and recently. Advise from a professional is important as its use might disturb the healing process and might get even worse if used without doing proper research about the product.

4. In Healing Wounds

Myrrh has wound-healing properties, which means it helps your body to heal. Myrrh oil can enhance wound healing by promoting the resurfacing of the wound and reducing inflammation.

It has been used since traditional times to treat cuts and scrapes due to its antiseptic properties. Also, the pain-relieving properties of myrrh oil may be attributed to its ability to block pain pathways in the nervous system, which helps alleviate both acute and chronic pain.

Additionally, Myrrh is believed to stimulate tissue regeneration. It encourages the production of collagen (the main protein found in skin and tissues), a vital protein that forms the structural framework of new tissue. This is crucial for the wound healing process, as collagen helps to rebuild the skin and underlying tissues.

5. Respiratory Health

The use of myrrh in respiratory health is beneficial since it has an anti-inflammatory effect and is particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. It helps to reduce sore throats and other related ailments. The myrrh's ability to mitigate inflammatory responses makes it effective in treating conditions like sore throat and chest infections.

Using myrrh essential oil reduces discomfort for respiratory problems because it has its expectorant effect. It also helps to give relief from cold. The practical application of myrrh for respiratory health is that myrrh oil can be achieved through steam inhalation or using a diffuser (essential oil dispenser).

This can provide relief from congestion and promote easier breathing. Thus, myrrh is used as an anti-inflammatory properties can help clear mucus and soothe irritated airways, making it beneficial for respiratory conditions.

6. Skin Care

Myrrh is usually used as a fragrance in cosmetics. When we think about cosmetic products, we are very sensitive about choosing the right product, especially for our skin. People who are into skincare know about the benefits of using essential oils on the skin.

There are several skin essential oils with different fragrances and ingredients in the market. However, myrrh oil as an essential oil has its separate base in the market in terms of skin healing. It can tighten and tone the skin. It also stimulates blood flow, enhancing nutrient delivery to the skin.

The healing effect of myrrh oil on the skin is magical. People who suffer from severe acne and pores can benefit from the application of myrrh oil. Myrrh is a valuable natural remedy for skin healing, offering anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

To use myrrh oil in the skin, first, you need to incorporate myrrh oil into homemade skincare products, such as balms or lotions, to enhance their healing properties. Doing this can also help treat dry or cracked skin.

7. Eliminates Parasites

After consuming contaminated foods, and having contact with pets or animals and other different ways, parasites can infect the human body. To eliminate the parasites, myrrh plays a vital role.

Essential oils and oral drugs made by myrrh can treat a disease called trichomoniasis which is a parasite transmitted through sexual intercourse. According to the research, Myrrh proved safe for the male reproductive organ and helped to eliminate parasites linked with trichomoniasis.

Some studies have also demonstrated the use of myrrh oil to be effective against parasites causing liver disease.

8. Pain Management

Using certain extracts from myrrh oil helps to reduce pain from sore muscles, sore backs, and headaches significantly. It is also an old remedy for joint pain. It is a potential treatment for diseases like arthritis.

There are different types of essential oils for pain relief that we can find in the market. However, the essential oil made of myrrh is unique to others. It has natural properties that interact with receptors of the brain and tell that there is no pain to respond to.

Some studies suggest that myrrh can block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body to prevent swelling and pain altogether. For instance, mouthwash containing myrrh has been shown to reduce oral sores and pain in more than 80% of patients.

That means essential oil by myrrh helps to ease your discomfort and tension. Most people use myrrh oil when they have severe tension and headaches, and their pain level reduces after using the oil. It has been proved by the study done in 2017 by the National Library of Medicine.

9. Improve Gut Health

People prefer drinking different kinds of drinks, especially hot tea, and herbal drinks to improve their gut health. Surprisingly, myrrh also helps to improve gut health and it is one of the most effective treatments for diarrhea.

It is not suggested to consume myrrh directly, it has its way of consumption. For your gut health, it is suggested to mix and combine camomile flower extract and coffee charcoal with myrrh powder together and use it as your gut improvement drug.

Different studies have shown positive results from people who tried the mixture of camomile flower, coffee, and myrrh, it significantly helped them maintain gut health and feelings.

Using a few drops of diluted myrrh oil to massage onto the abdomen for digestive discomfort relief makes a huge difference in supporting digestion. You can also try using myrrh oil if it is needed for your gut feeling.

10. Supports Liver Detoxification

It is surprising to know how using myrrh is beneficial for so many purposes. Studies suggest that myrrh can help to detoxify the liver.

The liver is an important organ to metabolize harmful substances. But when these harmful substances build up in the liver, issues can arise. For instance, ammonia buildup may occur. Scientists have found that myrrh could be a possible solution to detoxify the proteins in the liver as well as kidney, and cerebrum.

Therefore, myrrh's use may help relieve excess ammonia from liver diseases. This in turn prevents the provoking of the liver due to the overproduction of nitrogen and oxygen-free radicals which can eventually lead to cell damage.

11. Myrrh As A Food Preservative

Apart from medicinal properties, myrrh oil's antimicrobial properties have also been utilized in food industries. Extracts from many plants have been used as flavoring and seasoning agents for foods and beverages and also as a food preservative.

Myrrh is considered a safe, natural flavoring substance that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is used to add different flavors and elongate the shelf life of foods and their antioxidant activity. For increasing the shelf life of a food item like yogurt, Myrrh is essential.

In the market, Myrrh is commercially available as a brown powder that can be used as an antibacterial and antifungal effect in different foods and beverages.

How To Use Myrrh

Myrrh can be used in several ways to achieve the potential benefits. Each way is suited for different purposes, which are described below:

Topical Use

For applying on skin, especially in the cases of acne, dry skin, or minor wounds, myrrh oil is applied topically. For this, you need to mix myrrh oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil.

For Digestive Issues

Myrrh resin tea is used for digestive purposes. Myrrh resin is added to the hot water to make tea and is used to treat conditions like indigestion.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy using myrrh oil has calming and grounding effects. For this, you can dilute myrrh essential oil in hot water and use it for steam inhalation.

Food Preservative

Used as a natural flavoring agent by food industries, myrrh is also used as a food preservative. A small amount of myrrh is incorporated into food products to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Besides these uses, myrrh can also be used in the form of incense sticks for spiritual benefits. Moreover, it is commercially available as different products like creams, toothpaste, mouthwash and supplements.