The ancient and revered oleoresin from which myrrh essential oil is derived has long been a sacred part of human history. With its warm, earthy aroma, myrrh essential oil is often used in aromatherapy for:
- Awakening spirituality, especially in meditation.
- Calming and balancing.
- Opening doorways to inner contemplation.
What is Myrrh?
Myrrh is a fascinating product of nature; it’s incredible to consider how such an unsuspecting tree could have such great influence across cultures, religions, and folk practices!
Native to the Middle East and Eastern Africa, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is a thorny, tree-like shrub that thrives in arid soil and can reach a height of 10 feet. Myrrh oleoresin seeps from natural fissures in the sapwood, slowly emerging as a pale yellow-white viscous liquid. Upon air-drying, this liquid hardens into the red-brown myrrh resin (or tears) many are familiar with!
Myrrh has seen use around the world for millennia. It has been a staple of incense for over 4,000 years, and the ancient Egyptians used it in religious ceremonies as well as during their legendary embalming practices. In the Bible, myrrh is one of the three gifts of the magi, and was used as a holy anointing oil for high priests and kings. In ancient Greek mythology, Myrrha was transformed into a myrrh tree, after which she gave birth to Adonis. As the myth goes, myrrh resin is Myrrha’s tears.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh resin is extracted manually by making deep scores into the sapwood of a healthy tree, usually during the summer months. Myrrh essential oil is steam distilled from this resin, and thus is one of the thicker oils in aromatherapy. To make it easier to use, place the (sealed) bottle in a glass of warm-hot water and let sit for a few minutes, similar to how one would prepare a baby’s bottle.
The name “myrrh” comes from the Arabic word “murr,” translating to “bitter,” which is typically used to describe myrrh’s signature warm, earthy-balsamic aroma. In aromatherapy, myrrh oil is a sublimely spiritual oil, awakening and transcendental for many as it opens doorways to inner contemplation. Calming and balancing, myrrh oil can rejuvenate the spiritual senses.
Blending essential oils opens up a world of aromatherapy possibilities! Other oils that complement myrrh oil’s warm fragrance include: bergamot, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemon, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, rosewood, sandalwood, tagetes, tangerine, tea tree, and thyme oils.
Piping Rock 100% pure Myrrh Oil is available in 1/2 oz. & 2 oz. bottles.
Myrrh Essential Oil Directions for Use
Add 3-5 drops of Myrrh Oil to a diffuser or vaporizer, to a bowl of steaming water or a hot bath to fill a room with its earthy scent. To use topically, add ~5 drops of Myrrh Oil to ~10 mL of any Piping Rock carrier oil.
Myrrh Essential Oil is for external use only and should be diluted in a carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed or avocado oil before being used topically. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. Always consult your trusted physician before adding any essential oil to your regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications. Discontinue use and alert your doctor should an adverse reaction occur. Keep out of reach of children and away from eyes and mouth. Essential oils are flammable.
