Myrrh's therapeutic uses
Myrrh, derived from the resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree, is traditionally recognized for its therapeutic applications, particularly in oral health. Commonly used to address issues such as canker sores, gingivitis, halitosis, and sore throat, myrrh is also explored for other health conditions, including eczema, ulcers, and respiratory concerns. Modern herbalists continue to advocate for myrrh’s use, supported by some scientific studies, such as a 2019 trial demonstrating its effectiveness in mouthwash for treating plaque and gingivitis. Beyond oral health, myrrh is noted for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in wound healing and digestive health. Additionally, myrrh has been implemented in the treatment of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, though its efficacy compared to conventional treatments has been debated. While myrrh is generally regarded as safe, comprehensive safety studies are lacking, particularly regarding its use in pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe kidney or liver issues. As research continues, myrrh remains a subject of interest in both traditional and contemporary medicine.
Myrrh's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: Mouth diseases and oral health (canker sores, gingivitis, halitosis, and sore throat)
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Eczema, schistosomiasis, ulcers, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, wound healing, digestive health, respiratory health, antimicrobial, antibacterial
Overview
Myrrh is the dried resin of the tree Commiphora myrrha. Native to Somalia and eastern Ethiopia, myrrh has a long history of traditional use in perfumes and incense. Additionally, it has perhaps an equally long history as a medicinal treatment, primarily for conditions of the mouth, such as canker sores, gum disease, halitosis, and sore throat.
C. myrrha is not the same plant as C. mukul, which is similarly named. The latter is the source of guggulsterone, which has been proposed for treating elevated cholesterol.
Therapeutic Dosages
When used for mouth conditions, tincture of myrrh may be applied directly to canker sores or inflamed gums. It can also be diluted in water and used as a gargle. When taken internally, a typical dose of myrrh is 1 gram (g) of resin three times daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Modern herbalists continue to use myrrh for its traditional uses related to the mouth. A 2019 double-blind, placebo-controlled study of myrrh found that when used in mouthwash, the herb effectively treated plaque and gingivitis. In addition, it has been advocated for treating eczema and stomach ulcers. However, meaningful scientific evidence that the herb provides benefits when used for these or other purposes continues to be explored. Researchers suggested that myrrh and myrrh oil could effectively kill bacteria, reduce pain and swelling, and act as an antioxidant. These properties allow it to be used in wound healing and fighting infections. A 2013 study found that supplementation with myrrh and other herbs may help patients keep their ulcerative colitis in remission. Myrrh may also prove valuable in managing the symptoms of coughs and colds. Though more studies were needed, myrrh also showed promise as an effective sunscreen and for promoting gut health.
Beginning in 2001, a pharmaceutical-grade myrrh product known as Mirazid was marketed for the treatment of the disease schistosomiasis. Caused by a type of flatworm, schistosomiasis is common in Africa and parts of Asia and South America. It is a seriously debilitating illness, and considerable attention has been devoted to addressing it. China, for example, eliminated the illness within its borders using a massive countrywide effort involving much of the country’s human population. Working by hand, the Chinese people destroyed the entire population of the snail species that carries schistosomiasis. However, while this approach was successful, pharmaceutical myrrh was initially not. It appeared that the marketing of Mirazid as a schistosomiasis treatment was premature. A few highly preliminary studies had shown benefit, but subsequent full-scale trials found it far less effective than conventional treatment and perhaps not effective at all. Still, as the first decades of the twenty-first century progressed and more time was put into clinical study, Mirazid appeared more successful than originally thought, and researchers reported 90 percent cure rates with Mirazid was used.
Safety Issues
Studies of myrrh for the treatment of schistosomiasis did not identify significant side effects. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. The maximum safe doses for pregnant or nursing women or people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined.
Bibliography
Barakat, R., H. Elmorshedy, and A. Fenwick. "Efficacy of Myrrh in the Treatment of Human Schistosomiasis Mansoni." American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 73, 2005, pp. 365-367.
Botros, S., et al. "Efficacy of Mirazid in Comparison with Praziquantel in Egyptian Schistosoma Mansoni-Infected School Children and Households." American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, vol. 72, 2005, pp. 119-123.
De Souza Alencar, Maria A. S., et al. "The Evaluation of Osteoblastic Cell Behavior on Treated Titanium Surface." The Open Dentistry Journal, vol. 14, 14 Feb. 2020, pp. 1-10, doi: 10.2174/1874210602014010001. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
McCulloch, Marsha. "11 Surprising Benefits and Uses of Myrrh Oil." Healthline, 4 Jan. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/myrrh-oil. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
"Myrhh: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews." WebMD, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-570/myrrh. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Yakoot, Mostafa. "A Short Review of the Anthelmintic Role of Mirazid." Arquivos de Gastroenterologia, vol. 47, no.4, 2010, pp. 393-4, doi:10.1590/s0004-28032010000400014.