What does it do?
Uses in traditional medicine
Myrrh has been burned as incense and used as a medicine for hundreds of years. It has been used in medicine as an astringent, antiseptic, antiparasitic, cough suppressant, emmenagogue, and antispasmodic.
In the 4th century BC, it was often added to medicines to treat worms, wounds, and sepsis. People have also said that myrrh can help with gout, headaches, jaundice, throat problems, indigestion, tiredness, and paralysis.
Myrrh has been used to treat cancers and a number of infectious diseases, such as leprosy and syphilis. Myrrh has been used by the Chinese to treat a wide range of skin and mouth infections.
Ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies were not complete without myrrh. Myrrh is used in perfumes and as an astringent in mouthwashes and gargles today.
General uses
Myrrh is used to make cosmetics smell nice and to add flavor to foods and drinks. It has also been used as an astringent, an antiseptic that can be put on sores in the mouth and throat that are inflamed, to start menstruation, to stop spasms, and to treat cancer and other diseases.
Myrrh could also be used to treat schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, but there isn’t a lot of clinical evidence to back up these uses.
How much should a person take?
Myrrh can be given as a tincture, a dental powder, a tea, a rinse, or a gargle.
Contraindications
There haven’t been any problems found.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Bad effects that have been proven. Avoid use. Myrrh can start a woman’s period or cause an abortion.
Interactions
Myrrh might have an effect on warfarin and other coumarin derivatives, which could lower the international normalized ratio.
Consequences
There have been a few reports of skin irritation.
Toxicology
Research shows that there are no serious dangers.