For our essential oil highlight this month, we take a close look at Myrrh, Commiphora myrrha. Steam distilled from the resin of the small thorny Myrrh tree, which is native to Somalia, Oman, Yemen and parts of Saudi Arabia. It has strong associations with ancient religions and is mentioned in the Christian Bible as one of the gifts that the Magi gave the baby Jesus. But what is Myrrh good for?
The History of Myrrh
Like Frankincense,Myrrh was valued as highly as gold and used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, as a cosmetic and medicine as far back as 25th Century BC. Its name derives from the Semitic language and roughly translates as ‘bitter’, which is reflected in its very unusual aroma, which is bitter-sweet, dry, spicy and often described as medicinal. Aromatically Myrrh essential oil is considered a base note when using it in a blend.
Its chemical structure makes the essential oil viscous and thick; you have to be patient when allowing it to drop from the bottle. It is also one of the essential oils with a rich colouring; in this case, it is golden orange or amber.
Uses in Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, it is considered warming, drying and strongly antiseptic. It is used predominately for skin care as it encourages skin repair. It can also be used for respiratory support. Emotionally it can be beneficial for grief as it offers strength and comfort. Use it when you feel overwhelmed and need a moment to feel calm and centred. It is, however, best avoided during pregnancy.
It blends well with floral essential oils, like Rose or Patchouli, and woody essential oils, like Frankincense. You can lighten its aroma in a blend with the addition of a citrus essential oil, and I particularly like it with Mandarin.
Here are some blends for you to try at home.
Luxurious & Nourishing Winter Facial Massage Blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil.
Take a small amount into your hands, and massage it into your skin after cleansing. This blend is perfect for dry/mature skin. This amount should last for several applications.
1 drop of Myrrh – Commiphora myrrh
1 drop of Patchouli – Pogostemon cablin
1 drop of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
1 drop of Rose Absolute – Rosa damascena
Calming & Meditative Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser for a mindful moment or to bring calm to a stressful situation:
2 drops of Myrrh – Commiphora myrrh
2 drops of Sandalwood – Santalum album
4 drops of Mandarin – Citrus reticulata
Supportive Chest Rub Massage Blend
Add the following drops to 10ml of blending oil. Apply to the upper back and chest to soothe a cough or ease congestion:
2 drops of Myrrh – Commiphora myrrh
2 drops of Atlas Cedarwood – Cedrus atlanticus
1 drop of Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus globulus
Christmas Trio Diffuser blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser for a festive aroma:
1 drop of Myrrh – Commiphora myrrh
3 drops of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
4 drops of Orange – Citrus aurantium dulcis (instead of gold!)
I hope you enjoy using your Myrrh essential oil, do let us know how you use yours.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
