Myrrh Gum Powder

Standardized: myrrh
Other: common myrrh, Hirabol myrrh

BOTANICAL NAME
Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.

Plant Family: Burseraceae

INTRODUCTION
With its smoky, earthy scent, myrrh has a long history as a favorite among all cultures going back to its first discovery in the far reaches of time. A native to Ethiopia and Somalia, it has been used as long ago as 3000 BCE by the Egyptians in embalming, and as an incense burned during cremations and funerals to disguise any foul odors up through the 15th century. Myrrh is said to be one of the key ingredients in the mythical Egyptian perfume Kyphi. It has also been used to anoint kings, and scent fabrics for those traveling to holy places. Myrrh has had a great value throughout time; the Romans even valued it as much as gold, using it as security for monetary debts.

CONSTITUENTS
Gums, resins, sterols, volatile oils.

PARTS USED
Dried exudates (resin) from the bark.

TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
Tincture, rarely tea or encapsulation, included in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese herbal mixtures.
Used in conjunction with other ingredients for the development of many cosmetic applications.