Myrrh oil offers several fantastic health benefits. For example, it’s often used to slow down signs of aging, as it soothes cracked and dry skin. Myrrh oil, though, is perhaps most commonly known for its use in embalming. (1) Along the same vein, you may have heard of myrrh due to its mention in the Bible, as one of the three gifts the magi brought for baby Jesus. Myrrh was used for several reasons in biblical times, including purification of the dead, a natural healing method, and as a common spice. And myrrh, as well as myrrh oil still have practical uses today, as does another magi gift, frankincense. You can learn more about the benefits of using myrrh essential oil by reading the section below.
Myrrh is what's called a resin, which is a sap-like substance. It comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree commonly found in Africa and the Middle East. Botanically speaking, it's related to frankincense, and it is one of the most used essential oils worldwide. To harvest the resin, the trunk of the tree must be cut. From there, the resin is distilled in order to produce the essential oil. Myrrh itself and the essential oil has a smoky sweet, though sometimes bitter fragrance. In fact, the word "myrrh" itself comes from the Arabic word "murr", meaning "bitter." But there is so much that this bitter, potent essential oil can do for your health! Let's take a lookk.
Myrrh essential oil, when blended with other essential oils, makes a great natural perfume. For example, it blends well with citrus oil, such as bergamot, grapefruit or lemon. The brighter note in these help lighten up myrrh’s intense fragrance. (4) As it is a more powerful smell, be sure to use a smaller amount of myrrh drops as compared to the amount of other essential oils used. For example, you may want to start with just 4 drops of myrrh and 10 or so drops of bergamot. If citrus isn't your thing, consider trying mixing myrrh with vanilla or cedar essential oils, instead.
Another good use for myrrh is to help relieve tummy troubles. This include upset stomach, diarrhea, and ingestion. Furthermore, myrrh oil can help kill off a parasite called fascioliasis. (6)
Here are 9 uses and benefits of myrrh oil:
1. Anti-Aging
As it has antioxidant properties, myrrh oil is a wonderful way to slow aging naturally. It’s also great for general skin rejuvenation and for healing wounds. (2) Myrrh is one of those essential oils that can be a little rough on the skin. Therefore, it’s best to mix it with a carrier oil before applying it topically. Examples of carrier oils include, jojoba, almond, or coconut oil. Alternatively, mix it with an unscented lotion. You can also combine it with frankincense essential oil, as well as a carrier oil, to make an ultimate age-defying concoction.2. Fights Infection and Inflammation
Myrrh oil has many healing properties. Add a few drops of it to a cold compress and apply it directly to any infected or inflamed area for relief. Not only is myrrh oil antibacterial and anti-fungal, it also helps bring down swelling and inflammation. (3) Using it with a cold compress will further combat swelling, as cold and ice naturally reduces inflammation.3. Air Freshener

4. Relief for Upper Respiratory Problems
It can be a pain, trying to find a cold remedy that actually works. Cough medicines and throat lozenges rarely seem to do what they promise. However, myrrh oil just might do the trick. This is because it works great as an expectorant. You can use it to relieve congestion and help reduce phlegm. (5) Diffuse it or inhale it straight from the bottle to help relieve your cold symptoms.5. Decrease in Digestive Problems

6. Helps Prevent Gum Disease
As it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, myrrh can be used to treat gingivitis and mouth ulcers. It’s also used as a mouth rinse and to freshen breath. In fact, it’s a common ingredient in mouthwash and natural toothpaste. (7) For a DIY mouthwash, start with 1.5 cups of filtered water. Add a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt. Then add two drops of each of the following essential oils: myrrh, clove, cinnamon and peppermint. Shake up all the ingredients in a glass bottle. As with any mouthwash, take care to not swallow large amounts of this mixture.7. Helps Treat Hypothyroidism
Myrrh is a natural remedy for hypothyroidism. As it helps reduce stress, it can also help decrease stress on an overworked thyroid. Put 2-3 drops daily directly onto the thyroid area to help decrease symptoms. (8)