You’ve probably heard of myrrh from a Sunday school lesson or a history book about ancient Egypt. It’s old. Like, ancient-civilization-level old. But if you’ve ever cracked open a bottle of the resinous, earthy oil, you know it doesn't smell like a dusty museum. It smells like damp earth, bitter licorice, and something strangely medicinal. People ask me all the time, what is myrrh essential oil good for in a world where we have high-tech skincare and modern pharmacies?
It’s a fair question.
Honestly, myrrh is a bit of an underdog in the aromatherapy world. While lavender gets all the glory for relaxation and peppermint is the go-to for headaches, myrrh just sits there, thick and sticky, waiting for someone who knows how to use it. It isn’t a "beginner" oil. It’s viscous. If you leave the cap on too long, it’ll literally glue itself shut. But for those who deal with stubborn skin issues or chronic mouth irritation, this stuff is basically liquid gold.
The Sticky Truth About This Ancient Resin
Myrrh comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, a thorny, scrubby-looking thing that grows in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. To get the oil, you have to wound the tree. It bleeds a waxy resin that hardens into "tears." Distillers then steam-distill those tears into the essential oil we use today.
It’s high in compounds called sesquiterpenes.
Specifically, it contains furanosesquiterpenoids like curzerene and furanoeudesma-1,3-diene. These aren't just fancy words to make me sound smart. These compounds are the reason myrrh has been studied for its ability to influence the hypothalamus and the emotional centers of the brain. It's also why it feels so "grounding." If you're feeling scattered, myrrh is like an anchor.
What is Myrrh Essential Oil Good For in Skincare?
If your skin is throwing a tantrum—think redness, cracks, or that "crepy" look that comes with age—myrrh is your best friend.
It’s incredibly soothing. Most people don't realize that myrrh was a primary ingredient in Egyptian embalming. Now, that sounds macabre, but think about the goal: preservation. Myrrh is a powerhouse for supporting skin integrity. It’s an antioxidant heavy-hitter. A 2010 study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that myrrh could protect the liver against oxidative damage, and while your face isn't your liver, the principle of cellular protection carries over to topical applications.
I like to use it on "winter skin." You know those painful cracks on your knuckles or heels?
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- Take a teaspoon of raw shea butter.
- Add two drops of myrrh.
- Rub it in before bed.
The stuff works. It helps support the skin’s natural healing process without the stinging sensation you get from alcohol-based lotions. It’s also surprisingly good for "mature" skin. It doesn't just moisturize; it seems to give the skin a firmer, more supported appearance. It’s heavy, though. Never apply it neat (undiluted) unless you want to smell like a forest floor for three days and potentially irritate your skin. Always use a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil.
Mouth Health: The Secret Use Nobody Mentions
This is where myrrh really shines. If you look at the ingredients of "natural" toothpastes or mouthwashes from brands like Tom’s of Maine or Weleda, you’ll see myrrh.
Why? Because it’s a beast at targeting oral bacteria.
For centuries, people have used myrrh tinctures for gingivitis and mouth sores. It’s an astringent. It tightens the gums. If you have a canker sore, a tiny dab of myrrh (diluted!) can help dry it out and soothe the discomfort. Some research suggests it might even help with the microbes that cause bad breath. It’s bitter, though. Really bitter. The name "myrrh" actually comes from the Arabic word murr, which literally means bitter.
Don't swallow it. Just swish and spit.
The Science of Pain and Inflammation
We can't talk about myrrh without talking about inflammation. Most of us are walking around with some level of chronic inflammation. Whether it’s a "bum knee" or just general stiffness, it wears you down.
Myrrh contains compounds that may interact with opioid receptors in the brain. This doesn't mean it’s a drug, but it explains why it’s been used for pain relief for millennia. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s often paired with Frankincense. They are the "power couple" of the resin world. Frankincense is more uplifting and anti-inflammatory, while myrrh is more grounding and analgesic. Together, they create a synergistic effect that’s much stronger than either oil used alone.
A Word of Caution (Because Real Experts Aren't Reckless)
Is myrrh safe for everyone? No.
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First off, if you’re pregnant, stay away from it. Myrrh is a known uterine stimulant (an emmenagogue), meaning it can stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area. This is great if you’re trying to regulate a period, but very bad if you’re carrying a baby.
Also, it can lower blood sugar. If you’re a diabetic on medication like metformin or insulin, you need to be careful. Using large amounts of myrrh might cause your blood sugar to drop too low (hypoglycemia).
And please, stop drinking your essential oils. I see people on social media putting drops of myrrh in their water. That’s a terrible idea. Essential oils are highly concentrated. Myrrh resin is edible in small amounts in traditional medicine, but the essential oil is a different beast entirely. It can be hard on the kidneys and liver if ingested improperly. Keep it external.
Myrrh in the Diffuser: More Than Just a Religious Smell
When you diffuse myrrh, the room takes on a very specific vibe. It isn't "fresh" like lemon. It isn't "floral" like ylang-ylang. It’s... heavy.
I find it’s best for meditation or deep work. If your mind is racing with "what-ifs," the scent of myrrh forces you to slow down. It’s chemically high in sesquiterpenes, which cross the blood-brain barrier and help oxygenate the pineal and pituitary glands. This helps with clarity.
Mixing it is an art. Because it’s so base-heavy, it will overpower everything else if you aren't careful.
Try this:
- 3 drops Orange (to brighten it up)
- 2 drops Myrrh (for the base)
- 1 drop Cinnamon (for warmth)
It smells like a cozy, ancient library.
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Finding the Good Stuff
Don't buy the $5 bottle at the grocery store check-out line. It’s probably synthetic fragrance mixed with some cheap vegetable oil. Real myrrh is expensive because harvesting it is labor-intensive and the trees only grow in specific climates.
Look for the Latin name Commiphora myrrha. If it says "fragrance oil," run away. You want "100% pure essential oil." The color should be amber to dark brown, and the consistency should be thick. If it pours out like water, it’s likely diluted or fake.
Practical Ways to Use Myrrh Today
Alright, let's get practical. You’ve got a bottle, now what?
- The Cuticle Saver: Myrrh is fantastic for brittle nails. Mix 5 drops into a tablespoon of vitamin E oil and rub it into your cuticles every night. Your nails will stop peeling.
- The "Yoga Mat" Spray: Because of its antimicrobial properties, it’s great for cleaning. Mix distilled water, a splash of witch hazel, 10 drops of tea tree, and 10 drops of myrrh. Spray down your mat. It smells better than gym funk and keeps the germs at bay.
- The Chest Rub: If you’re congested, myrrh acts as an expectorant. Mix it with a bit of coconut oil and rub it on your chest. It helps loosen up the "gunk" so you can breathe easier.
Myrrh isn't just a relic of the past. It’s a functional, powerful tool for your skin, your mouth, and your sanity. It’s earthy, it’s bitter, and it’s incredibly effective if you respect its potency.
Start by adding it to your skincare routine.
If you have a moisturizer you already love, just add one single drop to the amount you use for your face in the evening. Don't overdo it. You'll notice within a week that your skin looks more "awake" and less irritated. From there, you can experiment with diffusing it during your morning stretches or using it to soothe a sore throat (gargle and spit, remember!). Once you get past the "sticky" reputation, you'll realize why people have been fighting over this resin for the last 5,000 years.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your local apothecary or a trusted online retailer for 100% pure Commiphora myrrha.
- Perform a patch test on your forearm to ensure you don't have a sensitivity.
- Mix a 2% dilution (about 12 drops per ounce of carrier oil) for topical use on dry skin or minor scrapes.
- If the cap gets stuck, run the bottle under warm water to melt the resin—never use pliers, or you might break the glass!