Myrrh is a reddish-brown resinous material found in the bark of a variety of trees and shrubs that are native to Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia and Jordan. When the myrrh resin hardens into nuggets they are powdered and used to fight infection by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Myrrh is most commonly used in Chinese medicine to treat rheumatic, arthritic and circulatory problems. Myrrh is also used in Ayurveda, Unani medicine and Western herbalism to treat sinusitis, chest congestion, asthma, coughs, colds and boils. When used externally, myrrh is useful for wounds, abrasions and other minor skin ailments. Myrrh is also used for painful ulceration of the gums or mouth and is a common ingredient in toothpowders, mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes for the prevention and treatment of bum disease. Precautions: Myrrh may cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Large amounts of myrrh may have a serious laxative action and may cause sweating, vomiting, kidney problems or accelerated heartbeat in which case you should stop taking the herb and see a doctor. Do not give to children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have kidney disease, consult your health professional before taking myrrh. NOTE: These descriptions are provided for information purposes only. Before taking any herb or supplement, it is recommended that you consult your health care professional to ensure it is safe for you to take and will not interact with any medications you may be taking.
