Myrrh resin is a dried sap, known technically as an oleo-gum-resin, that is exuded from the bark of small, thorny trees in the Commiphora genus, primarily Commiphora myrrha. The resin forms solid, glossy pieces called “tears” after the sticky material seeps out from cuts in the tree’s bark and dries in the air. This aromatic substance has been highly valued for thousands of years, with its origins tracing back to the Arabian Peninsula and Northeast Africa. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, prized myrrh for its use in medicine, perfumery, religious rituals, and embalming practices.
Preparing Myrrh for Aromatic Use
Myrrh resin releases its complex, earthy, and balsamic aroma into the air. The most common method involves using specialized charcoal tablets. To begin, place a single charcoal tablet in a heat-safe censer or burner, light it, and allow the charcoal to fully ignite until it is covered in a layer of fine ash.
Once the charcoal is hot, place a very small piece of myrrh resin directly onto the center of the tablet, and the resin will begin to melt and release smoke. This process should always be done in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of smoke and fine particulate matter, which are a byproduct of combustion. For a more subtle fragrance that avoids smoke, electric resin burners or specialized diffusers can be used, as they heat the resin at a lower, more controlled temperature.
Myrrh is often blended with other resins, such as frankincense, to create a richer aromatic profile. The warm, somewhat bitter scent of myrrh complements the sweeter, citrusy notes of frankincense. Using low-heat methods releases the fragrance without scorching the material, leading to a cleaner and longer-lasting scent.
Creating Topical Myrrh Preparations
Myrrh resin can be infused into a carrier oil for use in salves or compresses. This process extracts the oil-soluble components, including the resin’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. To start an infusion, the resin pieces should first be finely ground, often by freezing the sticky material before processing it in a coffee grinder or using a mortar and pestle.
The powdered resin is then added to a carrier oil, such as olive oil, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil, using a ratio that can range from 1:2 to 1:8 resin to oil by weight. The mixture is gently heated using a double boiler or a slow cooker on a low setting for several hours, avoiding temperatures that could degrade the compounds. After the infusion period, the oil needs to be strained carefully through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove all solid resin particles.
The finished myrrh-infused oil can be used directly on the skin or converted into a simple salve by incorporating beeswax. A common ratio for a firm salve is approximately one part beeswax to four parts infused oil. The beeswax is melted into the oil using a double boiler, and once fully incorporated, the mixture is poured into containers and allowed to cool completely at room temperature to set.
Making Tinctures and Extracts
Tinctures and decoctions pull out different beneficial compounds from the myrrh resin. For an alcohol-based tincture, the myrrh resin should be powdered and added to a high-proof alcohol, such as vodka that is at least 80 proof (40% alcohol).
A common ratio is one part myrrh resin by weight to five parts alcohol by volume. The mixture should be sealed in a glass jar and stored in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks, shaken daily to ensure maximum extraction. The liquid is then strained through a paper coffee filter to yield a clear, dark tincture.
The tincture is frequently diluted for use as a mouth rinse to support gum and oral health. For a water-based extract, or decoction, the resin is not ideal for a simple tea because it does not dissolve well in plain water. Instead, a decoction involves simmering the crushed resin in water for an extended period, creating an extract of the water-soluble gum portion.
Essential Safety Guidelines and Storage
Due to its potency, myrrh products are not recommended for internal use without professional medical advice, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid using it entirely. When preparing topical products, always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it widely to check for allergic reactions or irritation.
Adequate ventilation is necessary when burning the resin on charcoal to disperse the resulting smoke and fine particles. Both the raw resin and prepared products, such as tinctures and infused oils, should be stored in tightly sealed, airtight containers. Keeping myrrh preparations in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight prevents degradation and ensures a longer shelf life.