Myrrh Essential Oil Nature Aromatherapy Relief Headache

Myrrh is a resin, or sap-like substance, that comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, common in Africa and the Middle East. It is one of the most widely used essential oils in the world.

The myrrh tree is distinctive due to its white flowers and knotted trunk. At times, the tree has very few leaves due to the dry desert conditions where it grows. It can sometimes take on an odd and twisted shape due to the harsh weather and wind.

In order to harvest myrrh, the tree trunks must be cut into to release the resin. The resin is allowed to dry and begins to look like tears all along the tree trunk. The resin is then collected, and the Essential Oil is made from the sap via steam distillation.

Myrrh oil has a smoky, sweet or sometimes bitter smell. The word myrrh comes from the Arabic word “murr,” meaning bitter.

The oil is a yellowish, orange color with a viscous consistency. It is commonly used as a base for perfume and other fragrances.

Two primary active compounds are found in myrrh, terpenoids and sesquiterpenes, both of which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Sesquiterpenes specifically also have an effect on our emotional center in the hypothalamus, helping us remain calm and balanced.

Both of these compounds are under investigation for their anticancer and antibacterial benefits, as well as other potential therapeutic uses.

Essential oil therapy, the practice of using oils for their health benefits, has been used for thousands of years. Each essential oil has its own unique benefits and can be incorporated as an alternative treatment to a variety of ailments.

Generally, oils are inhaled, sprayed in the air, massaged into the skin and at times taken by mouth. Fragrances are strongly connected to our emotions and memories since our scent receptors are located next to the emotional centers in our brain, the amygdala and hippocampus.