2014 Advent Botany – Day 6 – Myrrh (Commiphora myrrah)

Samples of Myrrh along with bark of Commiphora myrrah

Day 6 #AdventBotany – staying in the Burseraceae, Commiphora myrrah or Myrrh is an anti-inflammatory, flavouring and scent but over use can lead to side effects including rashes and nausea. 

Used in ancient Egyptian embalming of mummies. Now used to keep skin looking young.  Myrrh is often used in the form of a liquid extract rather than as a solid resin.

Myrrh was the third gift of the Magi to Christ.

Commiphora myrrah

The Song of Solomon includes verses mentioning both Frankincense and Myrrh.

“Who is this coming up from the wilderness
Like palm-trees of smoke,
Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,
From every powder of the merchant?
Till the day doth break forth,
And the shadows have fled away,
I will get me unto the mountain of myrrh,
And unto the hill of frankincense.”

Further reading

A fascinating history of Myrrh and Frankincense is available from the Institute of traditional medicine.

See also the Herbology Manchester blog on myrrh.