Common Name: |
African Myrrh |
Other Names: |
Arabian Myrrh, Bal, Bol, Bola, Didin, Guggal, Guggul, Guggal Gum, Guggal Resin, Gum Guggal, Mukul, Myrrh, Myrrh Tree |
Botanical Name: |
Commiphora myrrha syn. C. molmol, Comniphora mukluk. |
Genus: |
Commiphora |
Family: |
Burseraceae |
Native Location: |
Africa, Arabia, N Somalia, Yemen |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring; by hardwood cuttings at the end of the growing season. |
Harvest: |
Resin is collected from cut branches and dried to a solid, which is distilled for oil, ground for powder, tablets or capsules, or dissolved in tinctures. |
Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Height: |
5m (16ft) |
Width: |
1.5m (5ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 10-15°C (50-60°F) |
Parts Used: |
Gum Resin (mo yao), oil, extract of gum resin. |
Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is deep golden-yellow, turning deep amber with age. It has a musty, balsamic, smoky aroma. |
Background: |
Myrrh is famous, together with frankincense and gold, as the gifts brought by the three Magi from the East to Jesus when he was born. It is mentioned several times in the Bible. Myrrh was an important ingredient in the famous perfume "megaleion" of ancient Greece. |
Properties: |
Antiseptic, cooling, tonic, stimulant, expectorant, vulnerary, emmenagogic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, astringent. A pungent, astringent, aromatic herb that is strongly stimulant, antiseptic, and expectorant. It relieves spasms, inflammation, and digestive discomfort; encourages healing. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for dyspepsia, bronchial and ear infections, mononucleosis, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, gingivitis, and menstrual and circulatory problems. Not given during pregnancy. Externally for mouth ulcers, wounds, boils, and pressure sores. Added to oral hygiene preparations. Combined with Hamamelis virginia (See, witch hazel) for bruises; with Cephaelis ipecacuahna (See ipecac) for mouth ulcers and gum infections; and with Echinacea spp. (See, echinacea) and Baptisia tinctoria (See, wild indigo) for various throat infections. Oil is diluted in carrier oil for massage; not to be taken internally. To treat arthritis, skin disease, and artherosclerosis; to lower cholesterol; to aid in weight loss. To treat cough, intestinal infections, lack of menstruation, stomach ailments, and inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth and throat. Germany's Commission E as approved the use of myrrh to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat. |
Uses: |
- Respiratory SystemA very good expectorant, of value in coughs, bronchitis, colds and flu, especially when there is an excess of thick mucus. An excellent remedy for throat and mouth inflammations and ulcers.
- SkinCooling on the skin, myrrh is good for mature skin, helping to preserve a youthful complexion. Very useful in hot, dry climate. Promotes healing in wounds and reduces inflammation. Good for cracked and chapped skin.
- EmotionsThe mysterious and seductive qualities of myrrh awaken an awareness of the spiritual reality behind everyday existence. The resultant expanded awareness calms fears and uncertainties about the future. Amplifies strength and courage. Useful for treating states of agitation, restlessness and emotional over-reaction. Cools heated emotions.
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Blends: |
Typical Dose: |
A typical dose of guggul may range from 1,000 to 2,000 mg of guggul extract (guggulipid) providing 75 to 150 mg of guggulsterones. A typical dose of myrrh may range from 1 to 4 ml of tincture applied to the affected area two to three times daily, or in mouthwash for, 5 to 10 drops in a glass of water. |
Possible Side Effects: |
Guggul's side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, belching, hiccups, and changes in heartrate. |
Drug Interactions: |
Taking guggul with these drugs may reduce or prevent drug absorption and effects: |
Diltiazem, (Cardizem, Tiazac) |
Propranolol, (Inderal, InnoPran XL) |
Taking guggul with these drugs may be harmful: |
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)May increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. |
Levothyroxine, (Levothroid, Synthroid)May alter drug effects. |
Taking myrrh with these drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: |
Acarbose, (Prandase, Precose) |
Acetohexamide, (Acetohexamide) |
Chlorpropamide, (Diabinese, Novo-Propamide) |
Gliclazide, (Diamicron, Novo-Gliclazide) |
Glimepiride, (Amaryl) |
Glipizide, (Glucotrol) |
Glipizide and Metformin, (Metaglip) |
Gliquidone, (Beglynor, Glurenorm) |
Glyburide, (DiaBeta, Micronase) |
Glyburide and Metformin, (Glucovance) |
Insulin, (Humulin, Novolin R) |
Metformin, (Glucophage, Riomet) |
Miglitol, (Glyset) |
Nateglinide, (Starlix) |
Pioglitazone, (Actos) |
Repaglinide, (GlucoNorm, Prandin) |
Rosiglitazone, (Avandia) |
Rosiglitazone and Metformin, (Avandamet) |
Tolazamide, (Tolinase) |
Tolbutamide, (Apo-Tolbutamide, Tol-Tab) |
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Lab Test Alterations: |
- Decreased total cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol levels.
- Decreased trigylceride levels.
- Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
- Increased triiodothyronine (T3) levels.
- May decrease blood glucose levels.
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Disease Effects: |
- May interfere with diabetes therapy by lowering blood sugar.
- May worsen fever, inflammation, and uterine bleeding.
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Supplement Interactions: |
Increased risk of bleeding when used with herbs and supplements that might affect platelet aggregations. |
Bibliography: |
Aromatherapy Blends and recipes by Franzesca Watson Copyright © 1995 Thorsons, Harper Parker Publishing Inc. Pp 134-135 The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 177 The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pp.264-265, 343-344. |
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