Myrrh

A sticky substance called an oleo-gum resin exudes from the bark of the Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) tree and it is this substance which is used for medicinal purposes.  The resin consists contains significant amounts of a class of chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones which provide local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.  The essential oils amplify the antiseptic properties and other constituents provide added anti-inflammatory, expectorant, carminative and anti-spasmodic properties.

All these complementary properties of Myrrh make it ideal for infectious conditions of the mouth, throat and lungs such as coughs, colds, tonsilitis and bronchitis. It can also be used as a local antiseptic agent. In higher doses Myrhh can be used to eliminate intestinal parasites and it also possesses the ability to lower cholesterol through activation of low density lipoproteins (LDLS) in the liver.

References

1. Bone, K (2007) The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Phytotherapy Press: Warwick, Australia.

2. Pengelly, A (2004) The Constituents of Medicinal Plants. CABI Publishing: Washington, USA.

3. Philp, RB (2004) Herbal-Drug Interarctions and Adverse Effects. McGraw-Hill: Totonto, Canada.

4. Wiess, R.F. (2001) Weiss’s Herbal Medicine: Classic Edition. Thieme: New York

5. Wren, RC, Williamson, EM, Evans, FJ (1998) Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. The CW Daniel Company Ltd: Essex, UK