Myrrh Gum

History:

Myrrh is an aromatic, gummy substance (oleo-gum resin), exuded and harvested from certain small trees and shrubs that are generally deciduous and spiny with a spread of sixteen feet and producing yellow and red flowers. Botanically, there is still uncertainty about the origin and identity of the various species (which include Commiphora molmol - Somalian, Commiphora myrrha - Common myrrh, Commiphora schimperi - Arabian, Commiphora gileadensis - Mecca myrrh, Commiphora habessinica - Abyssinian/Yemeni myrrh, Commiphora makul - mukul or guggul from India, but they are all thought to be native to the desert scrublands of eastern Africa, northern Somalia, Yemen, Arabia and India. The thorny trees thrive in well-drained soil in full sun in warm climates, and the pungent oleo-gum resin that is collected from cut branches is dried to a solid, and has been regarded as one of the great treasures of the East for thousands of years for use in herbal medicines, perfumes, incense, fumigation and religious rituals. Myrrh was an important ingredient in the Egyptian embalming process of 2000 B.C., and ancient Egyptian women burned Myrrh pellets to rid their homes of fleas. The composition varies slightly from one species to another, but it has been a standard medicament in the Middle East since Biblical times for infected wounds and bronchial and digestive complaints. The gum's name is derived from the Arabic, mur, meaning "bitter," and it was also widely used in the Middle East as an analgesic. Myrrh was especially associated with women's health and as a ritual oil in purification rites. Moses used Myrrh in Jewish sacred ceremonies, and it was one of the three gifts bestowed on the infant Jesus by the Magi ("they presented unto Him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh"). The herb was also said to have been used to embalm Christ after the Crucifixion. The renowned Greek physician, Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.), praised Myrrh as a balm for sores; the Romans used it to treat infections of the eye and mouth; and the Hebrews used it as a painkiller. Farther eastward, the Tang Dynasty of China (c. A.D. 600) utilized Myrrh primarily to heal wounds, and it has a long history in Indian Ayurvedic medicine as a revitalizer and rejuvenator. Over the millennia, Myrrh has been considered one of the best stimulants for bronchial and lung diseases, and in folk tradition, Myrrh has been used for muscular pains and in rheumatic plasters. Herbalists and modern researchers consider it a fine immuno-system enhancer that helps to stimulate white blood cell production and fights infection with its strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the constituents in Myrrh include volatile oils (limonene, eugenol, pinene, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, esters, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, cumic alcohol, heerabolene, dipentene, m-cresol and cadinene), resins (myrrhin, alpha-, beta- and gamma-compiphoric acids, commiphorinic acid, alpha- and beta-heerabomyrrhols, heeraboresene, commiferin, campesterol, beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrone and 3-epi-alpha-amyrin), gums (arabinose, galactose, xylose, and 4-o-methylglucuronic acid, ash, salts and sulphates.

Myrrh is considered an ancient traditional treatment for virtually all upper-respiratory infections and chest problems due to colds and coughs. It is considered a powerful antiseptic and expectorant, that supports the body's efforts to reduce phlegm and congestion in the lungs; and the many volatile oils in Myrrh assist the body's own capacity to soothe irritated bronchial passages and promote free breathing during congestive colds by clearing mucus-clogged passages. Myrrh is considered an herbal decongestant that assists the body to stimulate and tone mucous tissue, increasing mucous secretions and promoting their drainage. Myrrh has the natural characteristic of stimulating the body to discharge mucus throughout. The herb is reputed to be effective in assisting the body's own resources to relieve symptoms of tuberculosis and asthma, among other respiratory ailments; and chronic sinus problems, including sinusitis, are said to have improved with its use, because it helps to clear out mucus.

With regard to women's health, Myrrh has a reputation as a natural means to protect female organs and is considered an emmenogogue, or agent that promotes the onset of menstruation and regulates its flow. The herb works with the body to stimulate blood circulation and stagnant blood, especially in the case of women's delayed or scanty menses and is considered one of the finest natural antibacterial and antiviral agents, fighting against uterine and vaginal infections.

Myrrh supports the body's natural actions to cleanse the colon and bring order to the gastrointestinal and digestive system. As a botanical digestive aid, it is a pungent and bitter tonic that is said to tone and stimulate mucous tissue and promote the gastric secretions that help digestion and excite the appetite. Myrrh is also believed to destroy putrefaction in the colon and intestines and work with the body's own capacities to inhibit  blood absorption of toxins. It is a fine traditional stomachic that assists the system to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and relieve indigestion, flatulence and dyspepsia. In animal studies, an aqueous suspension of C. molmol has been found to protect against gastric mucosal damage caused by NSAIDs and ethanol.

Studies have suggested that Myrrh greatly supports and bolsters the body's immune system, helping to increase resistance to infection with its strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb supports the body's natural means to stimulate the immune system by promoting the production of infection-fighting white blood cells, as well as having a direct antimicrobial effect of its own.

Myrrh can help to fight bad breath when taken internally. It is a powerful antiseptic that treats many infections, but has a particularly long traditional history of efficacy as an oral antiseptic in treating mouth ailments such as mouth sores, weak and spongy gums, sore and loose teeth, gingivitis, periodontal disease, pyorrhea, laryngitis and sore throats. It is included in many European toothpastes to fight bacteria that cause tooth decay.

As an herbal antifungal, Myrrh is thought to be a good botanical remedy for thrush, herpes simplex, Candida and other yeast infections.

Myrrh shows promise in reducing both triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood, and may thus potentially decrease platelet aggregation (clotting) in the arteries. Research suggests that this activity may be helpful in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, the herb supports the body's efforts to stimulate circulation and imay also increase the flow of blood to the capillaries. Supporting Myrrh's use to boost heart health, scientists from King Abd Al-Aziz University in Saudi Arabia (12/09) found that Myrrh resin significantly reduced "bad" cholesterol levels in animal models, while "good" cholesterol levels were increased.

Used externally, the superior antibacterial and disinfectant properties of Myrrh are considered an old and reliable means to heal wounds, burns, ulcers, boils, abscesses, sores, bedsores and hemorrhoids; and it can makes an excellent antiseptic mouthwash.

Myrrh is an aromatic herb that is naturally powerfully antibiotic and antiviral and has been an effective traditional remedy over the years for relieving glandular fever, coughs, colds, stomach flu and other feverish conditions.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Since Myrrh Herbal Supplement is a uterine stimulant, pregnant women should avoid it, and people who suffer from kidney disease should not take it without first consulting a physician. Myrrh should not be used for an extended period of time, and it should not be taken in large doses (many times the recommended amounts). High doses may affect heart rate. Topical preparations have been known to cause contact dermatitis. Interaction with antidiabetic therapy is possible, because of its hypoglycemic properties.

Capsule Information:
Our Myrrh Gum supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.