Myrrh Uses

Famous for its participation in the Bible Nativity Scripture story, myrrh provides those who use it with many benefits. The bitter, gum-like substance is found in trees that are located in eastern Africa and Arabia. In ancient times myrrh was used to embalm bodies. In the 21st century, myrrh has been used more for medicinal purposes.

External Health Benefits

• Due to the potency of myrrh, many health benefits from external application have been recorded. Health-care-tips.org states that the external application of myrrh can be used to treat wounds and mouth ulcers. It also is said to be able to alleviate inflammation.

Internal Health Benefits

• Small doses of myrrh can be taken in the form of supplements in order to treat internal ailments. Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., points out that raw myrrh can stimulate stomach digestion if taken in very small doses, where as larger doses can in fact upset the stomach. Even though there is insufficient evidence linked to its benefits, many people find myrrh to be beneficial for indigestion and helpful for treating the common cold.

Aromatherapy

• As an alternative to western medicine, many people use aromatherapy oils such as myrrh. The West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy highlights that myrrh is useful in aromatherapy for the mind and the body. Known to be a calming agent, myrrh can be used to help individuals who feel mentally weak. It also can be used on a psychological level to increase spirituality. Physically, the aromatherapy benefits of myrrh can treat fungal issues, bronchitis, gum issues and skin issues.