Myrrh or Commiphora myrrha is obtained through steam distillation of the resin that comes from trees that grow in Somalia and other areas of the Middle East. The myrrh tree closely resembles the frankincense tree. It grows in arid and desert lands and can reach a height of about 30 feet. It has knotted branches, aromatic leaves and white flowers. The myrrh tree produces a reddish-brown resin compared to the pale yellow resin of the frankincense tree. Like the frankincense tree, it only puts out leaves if there is moisture in the air.

In biblical times there were about 9 different species of myrrh trees, today we would count more than 80. It is one of the oldest spiritual oils known to man. Myrrh was used in labor to prevent infection and was rubbed on the perineum to help stretch and ease labor. It was diffused under the bed to promote confidence and calm and rubbed undiluted on the postpartum mother’s abdomen to reduce stretch marks. In fact, it was the oil of choice for pregnant women and new mothers in biblical times. It was then used on the umbilical cord to prevent infection. Women particularly used myrrh in their skin care creams and oils to preserve a youthful appearance. Myrrh has astringent properties, which makes it good for mouth and gum problems. It is mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus which lists 877 prescriptions and recipes. This is one of those oils that is used from the womb to the grave. Myrrh was used as an embalming ingredient, often added to wine to ease pain, especially at the time of death, and given to those condemned on the cross to prolong their agony.

Ancient Sun Protection Secret: To see how myrrh oil is a sun protection secret, we need to look at its chemistry. It has a high content of sesquiterpenes, which makes it antimicrobial. It fights both bacteria and viruses. In its chemistry we find that there are 20-27% furanoids that are generally considered phototoxic, a real puzzle: the Egyptians who lived under the hot sun used myrrh oil on their skin every day without sunburn reactions; in fact, they used myrrh to protect the skin from the sun and as a repellant against biting insects. It appears to act as a sunscreen, protecting the skin from ultraviolet light rather than increasing its sensitivity to sunburn. It is believed that the high amounts of sesquiterpenes actually dull the effects, so myrrh is not a phototoxic oil after all. This is an example of synergy and an example of how compounds change their behavior depending on the company they keep. Dangerous and toxic in one setting, safe and therapeutic in another. When applied to the face as a sunscreen, dilute 20-80 or make a 5% dilution by putting 10 drops in 5 ml of vegetable oil.