Myrrh
Contents
Classification
- Botanical Name : commiphora myrrha
See also : Guggul
Myrrh is a sap-like substance (resin) that comes out of cuts in the bark of trees that are members of the Commiphora species. Commiphora mukul, a related species, is not a source of myrrh. Myrrh is used to make medicine.
Special Precautions of Myrrh
- See warnings about Aromatherapy
- Myrrh seems safe for most people when used in small amounts. It can cause some side effects such as skin rash if applied directly to the skin, and diarrhea if taken by mouth.
- Large doses may be unsafe. Amounts greater than 2-4 grams can cause kidney irritation and heart rate changes.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking myrrh by mouth during pregnancy isn’t safe and should be avoided. Myrrh can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage. There isn’t enough information to rate the safety of using myrrh on the skin during pregnancy, so until more is known, it’s best to avoid this use.
- Breast-feeding mothers should also avoid using myrrh. Not enough is known about the safety of using myrrh when breast-feeding.
- Diabetes : Myrrh might lower blood sugar. There is a concern that if it is used along with medications that lower blood sugar, blood sugar might drop too low. If you use myrrh as well as medications for diabetes , monitor your blood sugar carefully.
- Fever: Myrrh might make a fever worse. Use with caution.
- Heart problems: Large amounts of myrrh can affect heart rate. If you have a heart condition, get your healthcare provider’s advice before starting myrrh.
- Surgery: Since myrrh might affect blood glucose levels, there is a concern that it might interfere with blood glucose control during and after surgery. Stop using myrrh at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Systemic inflammation: If you systemic inflammation, use myrrh with caution, since it might make this condition worse.
- Uterine bleeding: Myrrh seems to be able to stimulate uterine bleeding, which is why some women use it to start their menstrual periods. If you have a uterine bleeding condition, use myrrh with caution, since it might make this condition worse.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with MYRRH
Myrrh might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking myrrh along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
- Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with MYRRH Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Taking myrrh might decrease how well warfarin (Coumadin) works to slow blood clotting. This could increase the chance of blood clotting.
The benefits of Myrrh are
Myrrh is used for indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis. It is also used as a stimulant and to increase menstrual flow. Myrrh can help decrease swelling (inflammation) and kill bacteria.
- Indigestion.
- Ulcers.
- Infections
- Colds.
- Cough.
- Asthma
- Bronchial congestion
- Joint pain
- arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Hemorrhoids, bedsores, wounds, abrasions and boils : topically
- Bad Breath (Halitosis) : Used to combat bad breath, myrrh can be found in some fluoride-free toothpastes on the market. You might wonder exactly how it works. Well, one of the compounds in myrrh is actually toxic to all the things that can cause bad breath. And, like many of the supplements listed here, it could also help with gum health. Research shows it’s effective in fighting periodontal disease. A high-quality product, like Fresh Mouth, not only contains myrrh, but also a blend of other ingredients to support a healthy mouth.
- Sore mouth or throat
- inflamed gums (Gingivitis)
- Cancer : Researchers at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ identified a compound in myrrh actually kills cancer cells in the laboratory showing particular promise for the prevention and treatment of breast and prostate cancer.
- lead toxicity : turmeric root and myrrh can significantly mitigate lead's toxic effects on the body.
- used as a fragrance, in incense, and as a fixative in cosmetics. It is also used in embalming.
- In foods and beverages, myrrh is used as a flavoring component.
