The role of myrrh in the traditional Christmas story is
well known, but the many benefits of this powerful herbal
compound perhaps less so. Yet myrrh is far from being just
an expensive gift of Kings in a long ago time. It has been
used for several thousand years as a potent weapon in the
battle against various types of infection, including
bacteria, viruses and fungi. Myrrh is also an
anti-inflammatory and appears to act as a general stimulant
for the immune system.
The name myrrh is believed to be derived from the Arabic
"Mur", meaning bitter, and is sourced from the branches of
a number of different small trees or shrubs native to parts
of East Africa, the Middle East and the Indian
sub-continent. The branches release a richly aromatic
resin-like substance which has been highly prized in these
Eastern regions since ancient times and was used as a
perfume, herbal medicine and embalming agent amongst many
other functions.
Most important of these, however, was its use as an
antiseptic agent, particularly in the treatment of infected
wounds. The antiseptic action of myrrh is believed to be
partly due to its stimulating the immune system to produce
infection fighting white blood cells, but myrrh may also
act directly as an anti-bacterial agent.
Myrrh also combats infections of the chest and respiratory
system, including common coughs and colds, by helping to
clear the congestive mucus which is responsible for much of
the misery caused by these illnesses. Sufferers from more
serious problems such as sinusitis, asthma and even TB have
also found some relief through the use of myrrh because of
this powerful internal cleansing action of the herb; an
action which advocates of the benefits of myrrh also claim
to be effective in the intestines and digestive system;
cleansing the colon in particular.
Myrrh is also believed to stimulate the blood flow and
muscular action necessary for effective digestion, and
there is developing evidence that it may help with general
cardiovascular health, as a protection against
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and in the
prevention of clots in circulating blood.
But the benefits of myrrh are not confined to the internal
organism. Applied directly to infected areas it has been
shown to be particularly effective in combatting oral
problems such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis and other gum
diseases, toothache and sore throat, and is used as an
anti-bacterial agent in some proprietary mouthwashes and
toothpastes. As an anti-fungal, myrrh is also used by
herbal practitioners to alleviate the symptoms of such
infections as thrush, herpes, candida and other yeast
infections.
And as if all of the above were not enough, ancient Indian
medicine claimed that the benefits of myrrh included
enhanced intellectual powers and even aphrodisiac
qualities. But it is not necessary to accept all of the
more extravagant claims made for the herb; it's enough
merely to be mindful that the many potential benefits of
myrrh make it well worth considering as a supplement when
tackling the ailments mentioned above, or when a general
tonic and stimulant is required.
For mouth problems it can be added as a tincture to water,
to make a powerful antiseptic mouthwash, or applied
directly to the affected areas. For more general problems,
or as a pick up, myrrh may be taken as capsules, the
recommended dose normally being around 300mg.
Myrrh is a potent substance, comprised of numerous active
compounds, and this recommended dose should not therefore
be exceeded except under the direction of a suitably
qualified and experienced herbalist. Myrrh is
contraindicated, moreover, for pregnant women, those
suffering from kidney problems and diabetics.
With these caveats, however, myrrh may be regarded not only
as one of the wonders of the ancient world, but as a modern
boon which is well worth a place in your home.
----------------------------------------------------
Steve Smith is a freelance copywriter specialising in
direct marketing and with a particular interest in health
products. Find out more at
http://www.sisyphuspublicationsonline.com/LiquidNutrition/In
formation.htm
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