Discover all the advantages of myrrh oil on this fascinating article!
Myrrh oil is a product obtained from steam distillation of the dried sap of the thorn tree, the so-called Commiphora myrrh. It is characterised by a particular color – from amber to brown – and an earthy aroma, often utilized in aromatherapy.
While it’s popular in religious and spiritual rituals, its therapeutic potential is currently being researched. AND review shared in Holistic Nursing Practice tells us that it’s a product wealthy in terpenoids, with antibacterial, antiseptic, anesthetic and anticancer effects. Want to know more about it?
Uses and Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh is a tree native to Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia. Throughout history, This it was used as incense and as a perfume for its pungent aroma. Popular beliefs associate its presence in the home with protection against negative energies. In addition, it’s used for spiritual purposes.
However, as detailed in review shared in Biomedical documents, greater than 100 years ago, its compounds began to be identified, in addition to medicinal uses. It has been found to be an interesting source of bioactive sesquiterpenes, which have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing properties.
Today, myrrh oil – a by-product of extracting the resin from the tree – is probably the most commonly used presentation for medicinal purposes. It is used as a topical treatment for wounds, infections and bruises. Here are its primary uses.
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Helps eliminate harmful bacteria
Since precedent days, myrrh frankincense has been used to purify the air and reduce the spread of bacterial infections. Today, each myrrh oil and frankincense smoke are still used for this purpose.
AND study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology it was reported that Myrrh oil has antibacterial properties. In addition, burning myrrh and frankincense can reduce the variety of bacteria within the air by as much as 68%.
AND test tube test within the journal Antibiotics found that a low, 0.1% dilution of myrrh essential oil proved to be helpful within the fight against bacteria Borrelia burgdorferiwhich causes Lyme disease.
More research is required to judge these properties. Still, these findings suggest that myrrh oil could also be a great candidate for fighting some drug-resistant bacteria.
Supports skincare
In traditional medicine, myrrh oil has been used as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds. In this context, research reported in Pharmaceutical Biology revealed it Commiphora myrrh species has antifungal properties that help treat fungal infections.
In turn, A test tube test Biochim open reported that an oil mix containing myrrh helped soothe skin wounds. In particular, they inhibited protein molecules related to inflammatory and regenerative processes, suggesting their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.
AND publication in Chemistry and biodiversity also supports these effects. In the study, a combination of myrrh oil with sandalwood oil helped eliminate microbes that cause infections from skin wounds.
Helps reduce pain and inflammation
In traditional medicine, myrrh oil is taken into account a natural pain reliever. The evidence suggests with which its relationships interact opioid receptorswhich send signals to the brain to alleviate pain. In addition, it inhibits the production of chemicals that increase the extent of inflammation.
That said, the product is usually suggested for the next ailments:
- headaches
- Inflammation and joint pain
- Pain within the muscles
Supports oral health
The antimicrobial properties of myrrh oil are utilized in the production of mouthwashes and toothpastes. Due to its composition, This reduces gum inflammation and plaque build-up. This is the way it supports treatment of gingivitis.
IN study published in American Journal of Research Communication , patients with Behcet’s disease, an inflammatory disease, experienced improvement in symptoms after using a myrrh mouthwash. Specifically, 50% had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of mouth ulcers.
However, caution needs to be exercised when using myrrh rinses. This is a product that shouldn’t be eaten as it may well be toxic.
Fights free radicals
Test-tube and animal studies show that myrrh oil does antioxidant potential exceeds vitamin E. It is due to this fact a wonderful ally in inhibiting the negative effects of free radicals.
However, more evidence is required to substantiate these effects in humans. Until now, it isn’t known whether inhalation or topical application of myrrh oil – that are secure types of use – can have the identical effect.
Other possible uses for myrrh oil
For now, research on the consequences of myrrh oil remains to be ongoing. Given the dearth of conclusive evidence, it’s endorsed to make use of with caution, only externally.
Research results also suggest the next uses:
- Sun protection. IN study published in Journal of Drugs in DermatologySPF 15 sunscreen with myrrh oil was more practical at inhibiting the consequences of sunlight in comparison with sunscreen alone.
- Mold elimination. At home, myrrh oil can assist eliminate mold that grow on partitions and food.
- Anticancer potential. It isn’t a cancer treatment, and the evidence remains to be insufficient. However, test tube research suggests that components in myrrh essential oil may help slow the expansion of malignant cells.
Read more: Neroli oil: uses, advantages and contraindications
Risks and precautions when using myrrh oil
Myrrh oil alone may be irritating. Therefore, as with other essential oils, you simply need to make use of a couple of drops. In fact, for topical application, it’s endorsed to mix it with a carrier oil reminiscent of coconut, almond or jojoba oil.
The best way is to do a small patch test before using it on a bigger area. Apply a small amount of product to 1 small area of skin. If no adversarial reactions occur after 2 hours, it may well be used with none problems.
In no case should or not it’s taken orally, as it may well be toxic. Some symptoms of ingestion include digestive discomfort reminiscent of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal swelling. In addition, it’s contraindicated in the next cases:
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Heart diseases
- Treatments with anticoagulants
- Patients before surgery
Usage mode
Myrrh oil is used topically, inhaled or as an ingredient in dental care products.
- To avoid the danger of skin irritation, it needs to be diluted with carrier oils (including grape seed, almond, coconut, jojoba). The proportions needs to be 3 to six drops per 5 milliliters of carrier oil.
- To inhale it, put 4 to six drops of oil within the diffuser. Another option is so as to add it to hot water and use the vapors.
What to recollect about myrrh oil?
Due to its aroma and properties, myrrh oil is utilized in traditional medicine as a natural analgesic, disinfectant and antimicrobial agent. For now, research confirms lots of its properties. However, it needs to be reserved for external use because it is toxic when ingested orally.
Research on this ingredient is ongoing. And while the outcomes are promising, they’re are usually not sufficient to be considered a drug of first selection for diseases. Therefore, its use should only be supplementary.
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