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Medicine: a pharmacy is an establishment; pharmacopics is the discipline

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{{Short description|Aromatic resin from the Commiphora myrrha tree}}
{{Other uses}}

[[File:Commiphora-myrrha-resin-myrrh.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Small lumps of myrrh resin|Myrrh resin]]

'''Myrrh''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ɜːr}}; from [[Semitic languages|Semitic]], but see ''[[#Etymology|§ Etymology]]'') is a [[natural gum|gum]]-[[resin]] extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus ''[[Commiphora]]''.<ref>Rice, Patty C., ''Amber: Golden Gem of the Ages'', Author House, Bloomington, 2006 p.321</ref> Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh mixed with [[posca]] or wine was common across ancient cultures, for general pleasure, and as an [[analgesic]].<ref>Pliny the Elder [-79 CE], trans. John Bostock and Henry Thomas Riley, "Wines Drunk by the Ancient Romans", ''The Natural History'' [c. 77 CE], book 14, ch. 15. London: H.G. Bohn, 1855. 253.
Available online at books.google.com/books?id=A0EMAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA253</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=single source only for ancient Rome|date=May 2021}}

==Extraction and production==
[[File:Commiphora myrrha - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-019.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Botanical illustration showing thorny branches of plant with small, oval-shaped leaves|''[[Commiphora myrrha]]'' tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvested]]
When a wound on a tree penetrates through the [[bark (botany)|bark]] and into the [[sapwood (wood)|sapwood]], the tree secretes a [[resin]]. Myrrh gum, like [[frankincense]], is such a resin. Myrrh is harvested by repeatedly wounding the trees to bleed the gum, which is waxy and coagulates quickly. After the harvest, the gum becomes hard and glossy. The gum is yellowish and may be either clear or opaque. It darkens deeply as it ages, and white streaks emerge.<ref>Caspar Neumann, William Lewis, ''The chemical works of Caspar Neumann, M.D.'',2nd Ed., Vol 3, London, 1773 p.55</ref>

Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the species ''[[Commiphora myrrha]]''. Another commonly used name, ''[[Commiphora molmol]]'',<ref>Newnes, G., ed., ''Chambers's encyclopædia'', Volume 9, 1959</ref> is now considered a synonym of ''Commiphora myrrha''.<ref>''The Plant List''. 2013. Version 1.1. Published on the Internet: http://www.theplantlist.org/. Accessed on February 24, 2014.</ref>

''[[Commiphora myrrha]]'' is native to [[Somalia]], [[Oman]], [[Yemen]], [[Eritrea]], ([[Somali Region]] of) [[Ethiopia]] and parts of [[Saudi Arabia]]. Meetiga, the trade-name of Arabian Myrrh, is more brittle and gummy than the [[Somalia|Somali]] variety and does not have the latter's white markings.

The oleo gum resins of a number of other ''Commiphora'' species are also used as perfumes, medicines (such as aromatic wound dressings), and incense ingredients. These myrrh-like resins are known as [[bdellium]] (including [[guggul]] and [[African bdellium]]), balsam ([[balm of Gilead]] or Mecca balsam) and opopanax ([[bisabol]]).

Fragrant "myrrh beads" are made from the crushed seeds of ''[[Detarium]] microcarpum'', an unrelated West African tree. These beads are traditionally worn by married women in [[Mali]] as multiple strands around the hips.

The name "myrrh" is also applied to the [[potherb]] ''Myrrhis odorata'', otherwise known as "[[cicely]]" or "sweet cicely".

Liquid myrrh, or [[stacte]], written about by [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]],<ref>Pliny the Elder with Bostock, John and Riley, Henry Thomas, trans. (1855) [https://archive.org/stream/naturalhistoryof03plin#page/130 ''The Natural History of Pliny''.] London, England, UK: Henry G. Bohn. vol. 3, Book 12, Chapters 33–35, pp. 129–132. From Ch. 35, p. 130: "The [myrrh] tree spontaneously exudes, before the incision is made, a liquid which bears the name of stacte, and to which there is no myrrh that is superior."</ref> was an ingredient of Jewish holy incense, and was formerly greatly valued but cannot now be identified in today's markets.

==Etymology==
The word ''myrrh'' corresponds with a common [[Semitic languages|Semitic]] root ''[[wikt:م ر ر|m-r-r]]'' meaning "bitter", as in [[Arabic language|Arabic]] {{lang|ar|مُرّ}} ''{{lang|ar-Latn|murr}}'' and [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]] {{lang|arc|ܡܪܝܪܐ}} ''{{lang|arc-Latn|murr}}'' . Its name entered the [[English language]] from the [[Hebrew Bible]], where it is called {{lang|he|מור}} ''{{lang|he-Latn|mor}}'', and later as a Semitic [[loanword]]<ref>Klein, Ernest, ''A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language for Readers of English'', The [[University of Haifa]], Carta, Jerusalem, p.380</ref> was used in the [[Greek myth]] of [[Myrrha]], and later in the [[Septuagint]]; in the [[Ancient Greek language]], the related word {{lang|grc|μῠ́ρον}} (''{{lang|grc-Latn|múron}}'') became a general term for [[perfume]].

==Attributed medicinal properties==
[[Image:Balsamodendron ehrenbergianum00.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Commiphora gileadensis]]'' (listed as "Balsamodendron ehrenbergianum"]]
{{more medical citations needed|section|date=August 2015}}

===Medicine===
[[File:An old bottle of Tincture of Myrrh.jpg|thumb|An old bottle of Tincture of Myrrh]]

In [[pharmacology]], myrrh is used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/products/afdbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=17990 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930043102/http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/sea/products/afdbases/af/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=17990 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-09-30 |title=Species Information |publisher=www.worldagroforestrycentre.org |access-date=2009-01-15 }}</ref> It is also used in some liniments and healing salves that may be applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. Myrrh has been used as an [[analgesic]] for toothaches and can be used in liniment for bruises, aches, and sprains.<ref name="trieste">{{cite web|url=http://www.ics.trieste.it/MAPs/MedicinalPlants_Plant.aspx?id=599|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110809204252/http://www.ics.trieste.it/MAPs/MedicinalPlants_Plant.aspx?id=599|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-08-09|title=ICS-UNIDO – MAPs|publisher=www.ics.trieste.it|access-date=2009-01-16}}</ref>

Myrrh is a common ingredient of tooth powders. Myrrh and borax in tincture can be used as a mouthwash, however long term exposure to borax can be harmful to internal organs. A compound tincture, or horse tincture, using myrrh is used in veterinary practice for healing wounds.

Myrrh gum is commonly claimed to remedy indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, and cancer.<ref name="faraj">{{Cite journal|pmid=15814041|year=2005|last1=Al Faraj|first1=S|title=Antagonism of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin caused by the use of Commiphora molmol as a herbal medication: A case report|volume=99|issue=2|pages=219–20|doi=10.1179/136485905X17434|journal=Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology|s2cid=2097777}}</ref>

===Traditional Chinese medicine===
In [[traditional Chinese medicine]], myrrh is classified as bitter and spicy, with a neutral [[Chinese herbology#Four Natures|temperature]]. It is said to have special efficacy on the heart, liver, and spleen meridians as well as "blood-moving" powers to purge [[Blood stasis|stagnant blood]] from the [[uterus]]. It is therefore recommended for [[rheumatism|rheumatic]], [[arthritis|arthritic]], and circulatory problems, and for [[amenorrhea]], [[dysmenorrhea]], [[menopause]], and [[uterus|uterine]] [[tumour]]s.

Myrrh's uses are similar to those of [[frankincense]], with which it is often combined in [[decoction]]s, [[liniment]]s, and [[incense]]. When used in concert, myrrh is "blood-moving" while frankincense is thought to move the ''[[qi]]'', making it used for [[rheumatoid arthritis|arthritic]] conditions.

It is combined with such herbs as [[notoginseng]], [[safflower]] petals, [[angelica sinensis]], [[cinnamon]], and [[salvia miltiorrhiza]], usually in alcohol, and used both internally and externally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://planetherbs.com/research-center/specific-herbs-articles/the-emmenagogues/#MYRRH|title=The Emmenagogues: Herbs that move blood and relieve pain: Myrrh|last=Tierra|first=Michael|date=June 3, 2019|website=East West School of Planetary Herbology|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref>

===Ayurvedic medicine===
Myrrh is used in [[Ayurveda]] and [[Unani]] medicine, which ascribe tonic and [[Rejuvenation (aging)|rejuvenative]] properties to the resin. It (''daindhava'') is used in many specially processed ''[[rasayana]]'' formulas in Ayurveda. However, non-''rasayana'' myrrh is [[Contraindication|contraindicated]] when [[kidney]] dysfunction or stomach pain is apparent or for women who are pregnant or have excessive uterine bleeding.

A related species, called [[Commiphora wightii|''guggul'']] in Ayurvedic medicine, is considered one of the best substances for the treatment of circulatory problems, nervous system disorders, and rheumatic complaints.<ref>[http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsMM/HRBENRGT.pdf Michael Moore ''Materia Medica'']</ref><ref>Tillotson, A., Chrysalis Natural Medicine Clinic, [http://oneearthherbs.squarespace.com/important-herbs/myrrh-gum-commiphora-myrrha.html Myrrh Gum (Commiphora myrrha)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614230838/http://oneearthherbs.squarespace.com/important-herbs/myrrh-gum-commiphora-myrrha.html |date=2007-06-14 }}</ref>

==Religious ritual==

===In Ancient Egypt and Punt (Horn of Africa)===
The 5th dynasty ruler of Egypt [[Sahure|King Sahure]] recorded the earliest attested expedition to the [[land of Punt]], modern day [[Horn of Africa]] particularly [[Somalia]] which brought back large quantities of myrrh, [[frankincense]], [[malachite]] and [[electrum]]. Other products that were also brought back included wild animals, particularly [[cheetahs]], the secretary bird ([[Sagittarius serpentarius]]), [[giraffes]] and [[Hamadryas baboon|Hamadryas]] baboons (which were sacred to the [[Ancient Egyptians]]), [[ebony]], [[ivory]] and animal skins. Sahure is shown celebrating the success of this venture in a relief from his mortuary temple which shows him tending a myrrh tree in the garden of his palace named "''Sahure's splendor soars up to heaven''". This relief is the only one in Egyptian art depicting a king gardening.<ref>S.Wachsmann, (2008) "Seagoing Ships & Seamanship in the Bronze Age Levant" - Page 19</ref> Myrrh was used by the ancient Egyptians, along with [[natron]], for the embalming of mummies.<ref>Fritze, Ronald H. "New worlds: The great voyages of discovery 1400-1600". Sutton Publishing Limited, 2002, p. 25.</ref>

===In the Hebrew Bible===
[[File:MyrrhEssentialOil.png|thumb|upright|alt=Glass vial containing oil|An essential oil extracted from myrrh (''Commiphora myrrha'')]]

Myrrh is mentioned as a rare perfume in several places in the [[Hebrew Bible]]. In {{bibleverse||Genesis|37:25|NIV}}, the traders to whom [[Jacob]]'s sons sold their brother [[Joseph (biblical)|Joseph]] had "[[camel]]s ... loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh," and {{bibleverse||Exodus|30:23-25|NIV}} specifies that Moses was to use 500 [[shekel]]s of liquid myrrh as a core ingredient of the sacred anointing oil.

Myrrh was an ingredient of ''[[Incense offering in rabbinic literature|Ketoret]]:'' the consecrated [[incense]] used in the [[Solomon's Temple|First]] and [[Second Temple]]s at [[Jerusalem]], as described in the [[Hebrew Bible]] and [[Talmud]]. An offering was made of the ''Ketoret'' on a special incense altar and was an important component of the [[Temple in Jerusalem|temple service]]. Myrrh is also listed as an ingredient in the [[holy anointing oil]] used to anoint the [[tabernacle]], high priests and kings.

Oil of myrrh is used in {{bibleverse||Esther|2:12|KJV}} in a purification ritual for the new queen to King Ahasuerus:

{{Quote|Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women).}}

===In ancient Nabataea===
Myrrh was recorded in the first century BC by [[Diodorus Siculus]] to have been traded overland and by sea via [[Nabateans|Nabatean]] [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] and sea ports, which transported it from Southern Arabia to their capital city of [[Petra]], from which it was distributed throughout the Mediterranean region.<ref>J. W. Eadie, J. P. Oleson (1986) "The Water-Supply Systems of Nabatean and Roman Ḥumayma", ''Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research''</ref>

===In the New Testament===
Myrrh is mentioned in the [[New Testament]] as one of the three gifts (with [[gold]] and [[frankincense]]) that the [[Biblical Magi|magi]] "from the East" presented to the [[Child Jesus|Christ Child]] ({{Bibleverse||Matthew|2:11}}). Myrrh was also present at Jesus' death and burial. Jesus was offered wine and myrrh at his crucifixion ({{Bibleverse||Mark|15:23}}). According to [[John's Gospel]], [[Nicodemus]] and [[Joseph of Arimathea]] brought a 100-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes to wrap Jesus' body ({{Bibleverse||John|19:39}}). The [[Gospel of Matthew]] relates that as Jesus went to the cross, he was given vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink (Matthew 27:34); the [[Gospel of Mark]] describes the drink as wine mingled with myrrh (Mark 15:23).

===In contemporary Christianity===
Because of its mention in the New Testament, myrrh is an [[incense]] offered during some Christian [[Christian liturgy|liturgical celebrations]] (see [[Thurible]]). Liquid myrrh is sometimes added to egg tempera in the making of [[icon]]s. Myrrh is mixed with [[frankincense]] and sometimes more scents and is used in the [[Eastern Orthodox]], [[Oriental Orthodox]], traditional [[Roman Catholic]], and [[Anglican]]/[[Anglican Communion|Episcopal]] churches.

Myrrh is also used to prepare the [[sacrament]]al [[chrism]] used by many churches of both Eastern and Western rites. In the Middle East, the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] traditionally uses oil scented with myrrh (and other fragrances) to perform the [[sacrament]] of [[Eastern Orthodoxy#Chrismation|chrismation]], which is commonly referred to as "receiving the [[Holy anointing oil|Chrism]]".

===In Islam===
According to the hadith of Muhammad, narrated by Abu Nuaim on the authority of Abban bin Saleh bin Anas, Muhammad said, "Fumigate your houses with mugwort, myrrh and thyme." (''Kanz-ul-Ummal'').<ref>[http://tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=260&Itemid=286 Myrrh ~ مر مكي]</ref> The ''Encyclopedia of Islamic Herbal Medicine'' mentions the same hadith: "The Messenger of Allah stated, 'Fumigate your houses with al-shih, murr, and sa'tar.'" The author states that this use of the word "murr" refers specifically to ''Commiphora myrrha''.<ref>Morrow, Joh A. "Encyclopedia of Islamic Herbal Medicine". Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2011, p. 145.</ref> The other two are Al-Shih (possibly [[mugwort]]) and Sa'tar (or ''Za'atar'' - [[thyme]]).

==Ancient myrrh==
[[Pedanius Dioscorides]] described the myrrh of the first century AD as most likely to refer to a "species of [[mimosa]]", describing it "like the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] [[Acacia nilotica|thorn]]". He describes its appearance and leaf structure as "spinnate-winged".<ref>{{cite book |title=The visitor or monthly instructor |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2B1IAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA35 |access-date=9 May 2013 |year=1837 |publisher=Religious Tract Society |pages=35– }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Bdellium]]
*[[Chrism]]
*[[Frankincense]]
*[[Myroblyte saint]]
*[[Naturalis Historia]]
*[[Pliny the Elder]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite journal|vauthors=Massoud A, El Sisi S, Salama O, Massoud A | year = 2001 |title= Preliminary study of therapeutic efficacy of a new fasciolicidal drug derived from ''Commiphora molmol'' (myrrh)|journal= Am J Trop Med Hyg|volume= 65|pages= 96–99| pmid = 11508399| issue = 2| doi = 10.4269/ajtmh.2001.65.96 |doi-access= free}}
*{{Cite book | last=Dalby | given=Andrew | title=Dangerous Tastes: the story of spices | publisher=British Museum Press | place=London | year=2000 | isbn=978-0-7141-2720-0 }} (US {{ISBN|0-520-22789-1}}), pp. 107–122.
*{{Cite book | last=Dalby | given=Andrew | title=Food in the ancient world from A to Z | publisher=Routledge | place=London, New York | year=2003 | isbn=978-0-415-23259-3 }}, pp. 226–227, with [http://perso.orange.fr/dalby/extra/FoodAZExtra.html#Myrrh additions]
*{{cite journal| author = Monfieur Pomet | year = 1709 |title= Abyssine Myrrh)|journal= History of Drugs}} [http://www.bookofherbs.com/a/Abyssine_Myrrh_ruggs.htm# Abyssine Myrrh]
* ''The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Chinese, Western, and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatments'' by Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay, Alan Keith Tillotson, O.M.D., L.Ac., Nai-shing Hu Tillotson, and M.D., Robert Abel Jr.
*{{Cite journal|pmid=19446652|year=2009|last1=Abdul-Ghani|first1=RA|last2=Loutfy|first2=N|last3=Hassan|first3=A|title=Myrrh and trematodoses in Egypt: An overview of safety, efficacy and effectiveness profiles|volume=58|issue=3|pages=210–4|doi=10.1016/j.parint.2009.04.006|journal=Parasitology International}} ( A good review on its antiparasitic activities) .

==External links==
{{Commons category|Myrrh}}
{{wiktionary}}
*[https://blessiah.co.uk/blogs/news/myrrh-general-information-medical-uses-and-other-applications Myrrh - General Information & Medicinal Uses]
*[http://www.itmonline.org/arts/myrrh.htm History of Myrrh and Frankincense] (www.itmonline.org)
*[http://www.herbcompanion.com/growing/ancient-herbs-modern-uses-myrrh.aspx Myrrh article by James A. Duke] (www.herbcompanion.com)

{{Non-timber forest products}}
{{Nativity of Jesus}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Commiphora]]
[[Category:Essential oils]]
[[Category:Incense material]]
[[Category:Plants used in Ayurveda]]
[[Category:Plants used in traditional Chinese medicine]]
[[Category:Resins]]
[[Category:Spices]]
[[Category:Natural gums]]

Myrrh - Revision history

Indian constitution: expanded layout further and improved wording

UpdateBot: robot: Update article (please report if you notice any mistake or error in this edit)

imported>Firejuggler86: /* Medicine */a pharmacy is an establishment; pharmacopics is the discipline