Commiphora myrrha (ancient myrrh) is a species of tree native to the north-eastern parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with short, thorny branches, a variable species found in southern Arabia and north-eastern Africa (mainly Somalia) to north-eastern Kenya. 

Appearance: The Commiphora myrrha tree is thorny and has gnarled branches with scattered leaves.

Resin production: When the bark of the tree is cut or damaged, it emits a resin that hardens on exposure to air and is harvested to produce myrrh.

What it is for and where

Medical

Traditionally, myrrh has been used as an antiseptic to clean wounds and to treat various other ailments. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and has been used in traditional medicines for gum diseases, ulcers, and more.

Myrrh has some interesting healing properties and is used in medicine and traditional medicine such as:

• analgesic (1)
• anti-inflammatory(2)
• antibacterial (3)
• antifungal (4)
• anticancer (5)

Cosmetics

 Myrrh is also used in perfumery and cosmetics for its distinctive fragrance and as a conditioning agent for skin and nails.

Religion

Myrrh has been historically used in religious ceremonies in various cultures. It is mentioned in the Bible and was one of the gifts the Magi brought to the newborn Jesus. It's also used in various incenses in religious rituals, particularly within Christian and Islamic traditions.

Commiphora myrrha studies

Bibliografia________________________________________________________________________

(1) Dolara P, Luceri C, Ghelardini C, Monserrat C, Aiolli S, Luceri F, Lodovici M, Menichetti S, Romanelli MN Analgesic effects of myrrh  Nature. 1996 Jan 4; 379(6560):29.

(2) Su S, Wang T, Duan JA, Zhou W, Hua YQ, Tang YP, Yu L, Qian DW Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of different extracts of Commiphora myrrha.  J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24; 134(2):251-8.

(3) Dolara P, Corte B, Ghelardini C, Pugliese AM, Cerbai E, Menichetti S, Lo Nostro A Local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of sesquiterpenes from myrrh. Planta Med. 2000 May; 66(4):356-8.

(4) Dolara P, Corte B, Ghelardini C, Pugliese AM, Cerbai E, Menichetti S, Lo Nostro A Local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of sesquiterpenes from myrrh.  Planta Med. 2000 May; 66(4):356-8.

(5) Shoemaker M, Hamilton B, Dairkee SH, Cohen I, Campbell MJ In vitro anticancer activity of twelve Chinese medicinal herbs.Phytother Res. 2005 Jul; 19(7):649-51.