An ancient remedy and go-to for a multitude of ailments and symptoms, Myrrh is a remarkable essential oil that you’ll want to get acquainted with (or reintroduced to). From promoting youthful skin and healing wounds to boosting relaxation, there are so many reasons to love Myrrh. 

A gum resin derived from the Commiphora myrrha tree, Myrrh resin has been used for thousands of years and in many cultures, including Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. 

In this guide, we will discuss our favorite uses for Myrrh and what exactly has made this oil so popular since its first recorded use - over 3,500 years ago. 
 

Myrrh Oil Aroma

The aroma of Myrrh is one of its most unique qualities. Upon first dipping an essential oil scent strip into a new bottle of Myrrh, the first thing one might notice about its scent is that it’s very warm, earthy and resinous. After a few hours, Myrrh becomes more oaky and woodsy. And after approximately 12-24 hours, Myrrh becomes slightly sweet and bitter. 

In blending, Myrrh works well with other resins such as Frankincense oil, Elemi and Opoponax. Citrus oils such as Bergamot, Blood Orange and Green Mandarin also help to bring out the sweetness in Myrrh. And lastly, when blended with florals such as Geranium, Rose or Ylang Ylang, Myrrh tends to become more woodsy and musky. 

Like wine, the aroma of Myrrh is said to improve with time. 

Myrrh Oil Uses

So, what is Myrrh essential oil good for? The healing properties of Myrrh essential oil are many. In ancient medicine, Myrrh’s gummy resin has been used to restore hormonal imbalance, reduce fungal infections, boost the immune system, soothe a sore throat, clear inflammation as well as infection. 

However, three of Myrrh’s most revered therapeutic benefits are its ability to improve mood, boost the appearance of skin and cleanse one’s space of microbes. Let’s take a deeper look into each of these properties. 

Mood

Oftentimes Myrrh incense is burned in religious ceremonies to encourage peacefulness and meditation. This is due to Myrrh’s ability to promote relaxation and improve one’s mood, especially when combined with other mood-boosting oils. 

To use Myrrh to create your own relaxing essential oil blend, add the following to an ultrasonic diffuser:

• 5 drops Myrrh

• 5 drops Peru Balsam

• 4 drops Magnolia

Note, Myrrh is a very thick oil. To easily extract drops of Myrrh, try warming the bottle in a warm water bath or rolling the oil in between your palms. This will help to thin the oil. You can also remove the dropper altogether and use a pipette to easily obtain drops. 

Skin Care

Myrrh’s rich antioxidant properties allow this oil to reduce oxidative damage on the skin caused by pollutants and exposure to UV rays. Studies have also shown that Myrrh quickens wound healing.  

Daily topical application of diluted Myrrh can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, its anti-inflammatory benefits help to reduce puffiness and redness. 

In other words, healthy skin is not a long way off with Myrrh. To get the most out of Myrrh, try the following serum:

• 1 oz Rosehip

• 2 drops Myrrh

• 2 drops Helichrysum- Italicum

• 2 drops Lavender

Apply to your face as the last step in your skincare routine, nightly. 

Cleansing

Various studies have confirmed the antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits of Myrrh, and that repeated use of Myrrh does not cause bacterial resistance. For this reason, Myrrh is supremely helpful in natural cleaning products and creating a holistic home.  

To promote wellness, diffuse the following using an essential oil ultrasonic diffuser: 

• 5 drops Myrrh

• 5 drops Blood Orange

• 5 drops Clove Bud

To clean your house naturally, combine the following in a glass spray bottle:

• 6 oz Distilled Water

• 2 oz 190-Proof Grain Alcohol

• 60 drops Myrrh

• 30 drops Lemon

• 30 drops Lemongrass

*Test on a small, inconspicuous area before using profusely. Shake before using. 

Myrrh Essential Oil Blends

Need more Myrrh in your life? We’ve created three gorgeous essential oil synergy blends that highlight the beautiful aroma and benefits of Myrrh essential oil. 

Frankincense & Myrrh

The synergistic effect of Frankincense essential oil and Myrrh essential oil are well-researched. When combined, these two oils have been shown to be:

• Antibacterial properties

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Skin penetration enhancing 

• Analgesic 

Along with their multitudinous benefits, Frankincense and Myrrh have much historical significance and were included as gifts that Magi gave to Jesus. 

For all of these reasons, we were inspired to develop Frankincense & Myrrh – a warm, earthy and meditative blend that helps aid everyday troubles such as pain, inflammation and stress. Diffuse this blend to experience the goodness Myrrh has to offer. 

Marigold Myrrh

A complex blend of resins, floral and spices, Marigold Myrrh’s sweet and spicy aroma transports one to exotic, serene gardens.

Rejuvenating to both body and mind, this blend is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing qualities. Marigold Myrrh also helps the body return to its natural equilibrium. When diffused, Marigold Myrrh’s cozy and rich aroma inspires an inviting peace.

Vanilla Sandalwood 

A sensory treat, Vanilla Sandalwood features Myrrh in a way that other blends don’t. Creamy and elegant, it is a natural aphrodisiac that can also help sharpen memories. Vanilla Sandalwood has an array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote smoother skin and neutralize emotional stress.

Add Vanilla Sandalwood to your diffuser or try the roll-on to experience Myrrh like you’ve never experienced it before. 

Stay Awhile

At Edens Garden, we offer an extensive variety of inviting, aromatherapy synergy blends that will turn your home or space into a sanctuary. It’s important to enjoy where you spend most of your time, and with more people staying home than ever, these blends will turn you from stir-crazy into a homebody. Experience our range of therapeutic and pure essential oil blends today. 

Sources:

1. Tisserand Institute. “Infographic: Essential Oils as Antimicrobials.” Tisserand Institute, 28 Jan. 2021, tisserandinstitute.org/infographic-essential-oils-as-antimicrobials.

2. Gebrehiwot, Michael. “Evaluation of the Wound Healing Property of Commiphora Guidottii Chiov. Ex. Guid.” PubMed Central (PMC), Aug. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4538748.

3. Khalil, Noha. “Bactericidal Activity of Myrrh Extracts and Two Dosage Forms against Standard Bacterial Strains and Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates with GC/MS Profiling.” PubMed Central (PMC), Jan. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6987268 .

4. Bhattacharjee, Mrinal K. “Antibiotic in Myrrh from Commiphora Molmol Preferentially Kills Nongrowing Bacteria.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117549.

5. Cao, Bo. “Seeing the Unseen of the Combination of Two Natural Resins, Frankincense and Myrrh: Changes in Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6749531.