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Alterna-med: The Healing Benefits of Myrrh
Most popular for its cameo in the scene of the three wisemen from the film Christmas, Myrrh is actually a natural gift that keeps on giving - and not just to J.C.
By Sita White
Published: Dec 01, 2007
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YAHOOWhat heals irritating skin conditions, soothes your nerves and helps rejuvenate wrinkled, dry skin and, here’s the real catch, does not require a visit to your therapist, plastic surgeon or dermatologist? Cammiphora Myrrha, or Myrrh, as it’s more commonly known. The Egyptians used it as incense (Tutankhamen was a big fan and was actually buried with it, lucky fella), the Greeks carried it in battle as an antiseptic and the Chinese have long used it to heal a wide number of ailments including ulcers, sores, blisters, cuts, ringworm and eczema. 
Myrrh oil is derived from a tree primarily found in the Middle East and several areas in Asia—don’t fret, no exotic trips necessary (as if those would be a pain), since you can find it in most health food stores or massage supply retailers. Since Myrrh is so versatile you can use it in a variety of ways, just as long as you’re not pregnant—it’s not advised for moms-to-be.
To relieve sore, stressed-out muscles and joints add five to eight drops of oil to a warm bath. It’s equally effective in replenishing parched skin, so try a mixture of three drops myrrh, two drops of sandalwood and five to six tablespoons of sesame or olive oil, and voila, an anti-wrinkle solution is born. (Note: Much easier than actual childbirth, and no camels or desert necessary.)
Sita White grew up making nasty brews and concoctions that could probably poison an entire army—toothpaste and Comet should never be mixed. She’s now learning the subtle art of a true master herbalist at Emperor’s College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and finally mixing potions that could actually help save lives.
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