Myrrh

ROOM FRAGRANCE: As an ingredient of incense mixtures, it combines well with Olibanum, Cinnamon, Ginger and many other oils. The presence of myrrh and other essential oil vapors in the atmosphere may help relieve the symptoms of coughs, colds, influenza, bronchitis, sinusitis and catarrh. The smell of incense mixtures can have distinct effects on the mind and emotions, some people find it relaxing, while others feel invigorated. Such odors can bring back past memories that the mind associates with them. 

INHALATION: A couple of drops of myrrh placed in hot water and the vapors inhaled, is ideal for the conditions mentioned above. By deeply inhaling the vapors from hot water, effective relief may be found for bronchial ailments and spasmodic coughing.

BATHS: It can be used for the conditions mentioned above, but it can leave a very sticky residue on the skin and therefore is perhaps best avoided in baths. 

MASSAGE: For most skin ailments, boils and damaged skin, the vapors rising from the skin may help the conditions mentioned above.

OTHER USES: When other remedies fail, myrrh oil diluted in fractionated coconut oil can be applied to leg ulcers or other poorly healing ulcers or wounds. Although it tastes awful, it is excellent for healing gum and mouth ulcers, again it is better to dilute it in a vegetable oil before use. As an emergency first aid measure it can be used on minor dirty wounds.

The oil is pale-yellow to orange-brown, fairly thick becoming sticky with age. The fragrance is slightly spicy with characteristic incense-like notes. The fragrance can vary a lot due to the numerous different tree varieties used for oil production.

Caution:  Not advisable during early pregnancy due to its unreliable chemical composition. Careful observation should be kept for any sign of skin irritation. Myrrh should be avoided by people known to be suffering allergies to cosmetics and perfumes. Keep all essential oils well away from children and especially away from the eyes.