Magnificent Myrrh- Why the Wisemen brought it as a gift to baby Jesus and how it can support you too
When I was a child, every Christmas I would ponder what Frankincense and Myrrh were. I literally had no idea, and honestly my parents didn't know either. I actually assumed it was some ancient form of currency that we no longer used... (I mean gold, frankincense and myrrh...must have been some sort or money, since it was a gift of kings!!!) I have since learned there was some symbolism in these gifts:
Gold- was a royal metal, it signifies royalty, and that Jesus was the King of King (gift for a king)
Frankincense is a symbol of prayer and signifies Jesus as a high priest and mediator between man and God. (gift for a priest)
Myrrh represents mortal death, It was used in burial rituals and in anointing the dead. Thus is represents how Jesus had to die for the salvation of all. (gift for one who will die)
Even with the symbolism of these gifts, in studying myrrh it becomes very clear that these gifts were truly gifts of kings.
Now as a doTERRA Wellness advocate, I have discovered these two precious essential oils (resins of beautiful trees)are literally my favorite oils and they certainly are as precious as gold! I have written about Frankincense before, this month, lets dive into myrrh...myrrh comes from the resin, a sap like substance from the tree Commiphora myrrha, native to Northern Africa and the Middle East. It is then distilled into an essential oil.
Historical Uses:
Thanks to the gifts of the wisemen, we know that myrrh has been used since ancient times. But thanks to records from Herodotus (about 450 BC), we know that myrrh was used in Ancient Egypt as part of their mummification process and in many of their religious rituals. We also know these practices had been used for centuries before this was recorded. It was used as a perfume. The Jewish have used myrrh in their anointing oils since ancient times (and still do). In China and much of the Middle East, myrrh has been used historically in medicine to aid in the treatment of everything from sore throats, cramps, inflammation, colic and digestive problems... From medicines to religious rituals,this strong, potent, powerful plant with a smokey, herbaceous and woody aroma has filled the air and lives of people for centuries and continues to be used topically, aromatically, and even internally. The word myrrh is derived from the Arabic word "Murr" which means bitter. This is a unique oil, it is not a pretty perfume, it has a distinct, somewhat bitter aroma, but personally, I love it, and it is very peaceful to me.
About Myrrh:
Myrrh's primary chemical constitute is terpenoids. Terpenoids are know as potent healers. They play a huge role in protecting the plant from oxidative stress, which is what can cause cellular death (in plants and animals!) We must remember, what protects the plant, protects us, so these terpenoids, protect us from oxidative stress. (see attached scientific articles studying this noted at the end). Due to the sesquiterpene ethers and curzerene, myrrh is excellent for skin health; cleansing, soothing,improving the appearance and fighting the signs of aging. It is wonderful at promoting soothing, grounding emotions. Myrrh is excellent at supporting our hormonal, immune, skin and nervous systems of our bodies. When diffused it promotes awareness and is uplifting. It is found to have anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-tumor, and it is an astringent and tonic.
To Use:
Topically it can be applied neat to the skin. (no dilution needed), but I prefer to dilute with a carrier oil like olive oil or raw coconut oil. When using topically you apply it directly to the area of concern or on the reflex points of the foot.
Aromatically simply inhale from the bottle, your hands or diffuse. (excellent oils to blend it with- Frankincense, lavender, sandalwood, and spice oils like clove, cinnamon ect...)
Internally place 1 drop under the tongue or put in a capsule.
Ways to Use it in Our Daily Lives:
Supports healthy Oral health- Extremely cleansing & soothing to mouth, gums and throat. Add one drop to your toothbrush before brushing to harness its powerful cleansing properties for the mouth.
Additional Oral Health support- gargle with Myrrh for an effective mouth rinse- I like to mix in a 16oz mason jar, 4 drops clove, 3 drops wild orange, 3 drops copaiba, 3 myrrh, 3 drops peppermint, and fill with water. Shake well and use daily.
Anti-Aging Skin Care-To help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, add one to two drops to your face or body lotion to help promote a smooth, youthful-looking complexion
Diffuse to help promote awareness and uplift your mood. Promotes emotional balance and well-being
Support your Digestive Health-Add one to two drops to one-fourth cup of water with a little agave or honey to help ease the stomach discomfort.
Extra hydration and nourishment for skin- create a hydrating cream that will fight dry brittle skin, cracked lips and skin using shea butter, coconut oil, bees wax, myrrh and lavender. It is natural, and excellent for super hydration.
After Shave Cream to soothe and calm skin- create your own after shave that will heal and soothe skin with coconut oil, rose water and the best skin oils - lavender, frankincense, myrrh, helichrysum & melaleuca.
Healing Balm- Heal and soothe skin, including bruises with a special balm of coconut oil, lavender, myrrh, frankincense and helichrysum.
Boost Emotional balance and mood- Diffuse to promote emotional balance and well-being and uplift your mood
Diffuse when tension levels are high
Diffuse during the holidays to maintain peaceful feelings throughout your home.
Myrrh is seriously one of my favorite oils. I received it as a gift from doTERRA last December for a special contest I took part in. I have since adored and appreciated every drop from my bottle. Especially as an incredible essential oil for my skin... it calms,soothes, heals. When I apply it to my face, I love the aroma that will diffuse right off my body. It is calming, meditative, and peaceful.
Have you tried this beauty? What is your favorite way to use this incredible oil? Let me know!
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16492481
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19818824/