Myrrh: Clinical Applications
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the numerous benefits and clinical applications of Myrrh, a small, thorny, flowering tree. For centuries, Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) has held a remarkable place in human history, especially for its medicinal usage due to its diverse pharmacological properties. It contains powerful compounds known as sesquiterpenes. Among them are furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzerene, and furanodienone, which have demonstrated impressive anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Research on Myrrh has revealed a multitude of therapeutic properties. It has demonstrated potential for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, in addition to displaying antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, and expectorant properties. It is best used in combination with other herbs and dietary supplements to enhance synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Myrrh
Chronic Pain
Myrrh has been traditionally used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in its potential role as an alternative approach for pain management. In a recent 2023 study entitled “The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomized controlled trial” written by Hafize Özdemir Alkanat, Ülkü Özdemir, and Fazıl Kulaklı and published in Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing, the researches explore the impact of aromatherapy massage on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. The study conducted between August-December 2020 at a university hospital clinic involved three groups: a control group, a massage group, and an aromatherapy massage group. There were 30 patients in the control group, 31 patients in the massage group, and 30 patients in the aromatherapy massage group.
The aromatherapy massage group and the placebo group received two sessions of low back massage per week, with the aromatherapy group receiving massages with Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils and the placebo group receiving massages with jojoba oil. The control group did not receive any massages. The group receiving aromatherapy massage with Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils showed statistically superior improvements in pain and disability measures compared to the control and placebo groups. The study suggests that aromatherapy massage with frankincense and Myrrh oils can be integrated into medical treatments to relieve pain and reduce disability in individuals with chronic low back pain.
In another study titled “Efficacy of a Combination of N-Palmitoylethanolamide Beta-Caryophyllene Carnosic Acid and Myrrh Extract on Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Preclinical Study” written by Yannick Fotio et al and published in the 2019 Frontiers in Pharmacology Journal, they investigate the effectiveness of a natural supplement called Noxiall®, a commercially available combination of N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), beta-caryophyllene; carnosic acid and Myrrh, in treating chronic neuropathic pain. The study compared the efficacy of Noxiall® with the medications gabapentin and pregabalin in a mouse model of chronic constriction injury. The researchers induced chronic neuropathic pain by performing sciatic nerve ligation in mice. This model simulates neuropathic pain experienced by humans.
The study divided the mice into different treatment groups, including Noxiall®, gabapentin, pregabalin, and control groups. They assessed pain behaviors such as mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and administered the treatments orally. The results showed that Noxiall®, along with gabapentin and pregabalin, effectively reduced both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. This suggests that incorporating natural remedies like Noxiall® alongside conventional medications may improve the management of chronic neuropathic pain.
Oral Health
Myrrh has long been revered for its potential benefits in promoting oral health. In a recent 2020 study entitled, “The Effects of Commiphora Myrrh Mouthwash Verses Chlorhexidine on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Comparative Study,” written by Reem A Alotaibi, Salwa Aldahlawi and Fatimah M Alyami and published in the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, compared the effectiveness of Commiphora Myrrh mouthwash and Chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis in patients with gingivitis or mild periodontitis. The study was conducted involving 75 patients diagnosed with gingivitis. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one using a mouthwash containing Commiphora Myrrh and the other using a mouthwash containing 0.2% Chlorhexidine.
Both groups showed improvement in oral hygiene after the mouthwash use, with the Myrrh group demonstrating a reduction in the gingival index and plaque control record. While both mouthwashes were effective, Chlorhexidine showed significantly lower PCR and GI at two weeks, but also had more reported side effects, such as taste alteration and staining. Myrrh-based mouthwash was found to be an effective anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent with fewer side effects and a high compliance rate. However, safety over a longer duration of use needs to be evaluated.
In another recent 2019 study published in the Open Dentistry Journal entitled “Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Plaque Effects of Commiphora Myrrh Mouthwash: A Preliminary Pilot Clinical Study” and written by Talal M. Zahid and Jazia A. Alblowi, the potential benefits of using Myrrh for oral health were explored. Myrrh, a traditional herbal compound known for its antimicrobial properties, has been used in Arabic medicine for centuries. This randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial was conducted with 12 systemically healthy subjects aged 18-30 years to assess the effectiveness of myrrh mouthwash in controlling plaque and gingivitis compared to a commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. The study aimed to induce experimental gingivitis and randomly assign the subjects to three groups: the first using normal saline, the second using a 1% Commiphora myrrh mouthwash, and the third using a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash.
They found that Myrrh mouthwash showed promising results in reducing plaque build-up and gingival inflammation, comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash. These findings suggest that Myrrh could be a natural alternative to conventional chemical mouthwashes, with potentially fewer side effects.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Myrrh recommendations:
Some Precautions with Myrrh:
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Taking myrrh orally during pregnancy is considered unsafe and should be avoided. It has the potential to stimulate the uterus, leading to a miscarriage. The safety of using myrrh topically on the skin during pregnancy is not well-established, so it is recommended to avoid this use as well. Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid using myrrh due to the lack of information regarding its safety in this context.
Diabetes: Myrrh may lower blood sugar levels, which can be a concern when used with medications that also lower blood sugar. If you are using myrrh along with diabetes medications, it is important to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels.
Fever: Myrrh may potentially worsen a fever. Use it with caution in this case.
Heart Problems: Large amounts of myrrh can affect heart rate. If you have a heart condition, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using myrrh.
Surgery: Myrrh has the potential to impact blood glucose levels, which can interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using myrrh at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Systemic Inflammation: If you have systemic inflammation, use myrrh with caution as it may exacerbate this condition.
Uterine Bleeding: Myrrh has been known to stimulate uterine bleeding, which is why some women use it to induce their menstrual periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, exercise caution when using myrrh as it may worsen this condition.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Myrrh. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources:
Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update | Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh
Welcome to the blog series Herb of the Month!
This week, we will be exploring the numerous benefits and clinical applications of Myrrh, a small, thorny, flowering tree. For centuries, Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) has held a remarkable place in human history, especially for its medicinal usage due to its diverse pharmacological properties. It contains powerful compounds known as sesquiterpenes. Among them are furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzerene, and furanodienone, which have demonstrated impressive anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Research on Myrrh has revealed a multitude of therapeutic properties. It has demonstrated potential for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, in addition to displaying antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, anthelmintic, emmenagogue, and expectorant properties. It is best used in combination with other herbs and dietary supplements to enhance synergistic and potent medicinal qualities.
Health Benefits of Myrrh
Chronic Pain
Myrrh has been traditionally used for centuries for its medicinal properties. In recent years, there has been growing interest in its potential role as an alternative approach for pain management. In a recent 2023 study entitled “The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomized controlled trial” written by Hafize Özdemir Alkanat, Ülkü Özdemir, and Fazıl Kulaklı and published in Explore: The Journal of Science & Healing, the researches explore the impact of aromatherapy massage on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. The study conducted between August-December 2020 at a university hospital clinic involved three groups: a control group, a massage group, and an aromatherapy massage group. There were 30 patients in the control group, 31 patients in the massage group, and 30 patients in the aromatherapy massage group.
The aromatherapy massage group and the placebo group received two sessions of low back massage per week, with the aromatherapy group receiving massages with Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils and the placebo group receiving massages with jojoba oil. The control group did not receive any massages. The group receiving aromatherapy massage with Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils showed statistically superior improvements in pain and disability measures compared to the control and placebo groups. The study suggests that aromatherapy massage with frankincense and Myrrh oils can be integrated into medical treatments to relieve pain and reduce disability in individuals with chronic low back pain.
In another study titled “Efficacy of a Combination of N-Palmitoylethanolamide Beta-Caryophyllene Carnosic Acid and Myrrh Extract on Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Preclinical Study” written by Yannick Fotio et al and published in the 2019 Frontiers in Pharmacology Journal, they investigate the effectiveness of a natural supplement called Noxiall®, a commercially available combination of N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), beta-caryophyllene; carnosic acid and Myrrh, in treating chronic neuropathic pain. The study compared the efficacy of Noxiall® with the medications gabapentin and pregabalin in a mouse model of chronic constriction injury. The researchers induced chronic neuropathic pain by performing sciatic nerve ligation in mice. This model simulates neuropathic pain experienced by humans.
The study divided the mice into different treatment groups, including Noxiall®, gabapentin, pregabalin, and control groups. They assessed pain behaviors such as mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and administered the treatments orally. The results showed that Noxiall®, along with gabapentin and pregabalin, effectively reduced both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. This suggests that incorporating natural remedies like Noxiall® alongside conventional medications may improve the management of chronic neuropathic pain.
Oral Health
Myrrh has long been revered for its potential benefits in promoting oral health. In a recent 2020 study entitled, “The Effects of Commiphora Myrrh Mouthwash Verses Chlorhexidine on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis: A Comparative Study,” written by Reem A Alotaibi, Salwa Aldahlawi and Fatimah M Alyami and published in the Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science, compared the effectiveness of Commiphora Myrrh mouthwash and Chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque and gingivitis in patients with gingivitis or mild periodontitis. The study was conducted involving 75 patients diagnosed with gingivitis. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one using a mouthwash containing Commiphora Myrrh and the other using a mouthwash containing 0.2% Chlorhexidine.
Both groups showed improvement in oral hygiene after the mouthwash use, with the Myrrh group demonstrating a reduction in the gingival index and plaque control record. While both mouthwashes were effective, Chlorhexidine showed significantly lower PCR and GI at two weeks, but also had more reported side effects, such as taste alteration and staining. Myrrh-based mouthwash was found to be an effective anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent with fewer side effects and a high compliance rate. However, safety over a longer duration of use needs to be evaluated.
In another recent 2019 study published in the Open Dentistry Journal entitled “Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Plaque Effects of Commiphora Myrrh Mouthwash: A Preliminary Pilot Clinical Study” and written by Talal M. Zahid and Jazia A. Alblowi, the potential benefits of using Myrrh for oral health were explored. Myrrh, a traditional herbal compound known for its antimicrobial properties, has been used in Arabic medicine for centuries. This randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial was conducted with 12 systemically healthy subjects aged 18-30 years to assess the effectiveness of myrrh mouthwash in controlling plaque and gingivitis compared to a commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. The study aimed to induce experimental gingivitis and randomly assign the subjects to three groups: the first using normal saline, the second using a 1% Commiphora myrrh mouthwash, and the third using a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash.
They found that Myrrh mouthwash showed promising results in reducing plaque build-up and gingival inflammation, comparable to chlorhexidine mouthwash. These findings suggest that Myrrh could be a natural alternative to conventional chemical mouthwashes, with potentially fewer side effects.
Final Recommendations
Here are Nancy’s Myrrh recommendations:
Some Precautions with Myrrh:
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Taking myrrh orally during pregnancy is considered unsafe and should be avoided. It has the potential to stimulate the uterus, leading to a miscarriage. The safety of using myrrh topically on the skin during pregnancy is not well-established, so it is recommended to avoid this use as well. Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid using myrrh due to the lack of information regarding its safety in this context.
Diabetes: Myrrh may lower blood sugar levels, which can be a concern when used with medications that also lower blood sugar. If you are using myrrh along with diabetes medications, it is important to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels.
Fever: Myrrh may potentially worsen a fever. Use it with caution in this case.
Heart Problems: Large amounts of myrrh can affect heart rate. If you have a heart condition, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before using myrrh.
Surgery: Myrrh has the potential to impact blood glucose levels, which can interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop using myrrh at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Systemic Inflammation: If you have systemic inflammation, use myrrh with caution as it may exacerbate this condition.
Uterine Bleeding: Myrrh has been known to stimulate uterine bleeding, which is why some women use it to induce their menstrual periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, exercise caution when using myrrh as it may worsen this condition.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to recommending Myrrh. Because of this, Nancy recommends Booking a 15 Minute Discovery call if you’re interested in taking this wonderful herb. It’s important to consult with a registered clinical herbalist or natural health practitioner trained in clinical herbalism for more resistant and deeper set health issues. They will be able to give a more tailored suggested serving and daily frequency based on your age, gender, body weight, and any present medical conditions.
Remember to join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Other Resources:
Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update | Components, therapeutic value and uses of myrrh