Myrrh

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

{{Lead too short|date=March 2024}}
[[File:Commiphora-myrrha-resin-myrrh.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Small lumps of myrrh resin|Myrrh resin]]

'''Myrrh''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ɜːr}}; from an unidentified ancient [[Semitic languages|Semitic]] language, see ''[[#Etymology|§&nbsp;Etymology]]'') is a [[natural gum|gum]]-[[resin]] extracted from a few small, thorny tree species of the ''[[Commiphora]]'' genus, belonging to the [[Burseraceae]] family.<ref>Rice, Patty C., ''Amber: Golden Gem of the Ages'', Author House, Bloomington, 2006 p.321</ref> Myrrh resin has been used throughout history in [[medicine]], [[perfumery]], and [[incense]]s. Myrrh mixed with [[posca]] or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an anti-inflammatory and [[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 for ''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|Somali Region of Ethiopia]] and parts of [[Saudi Arabia]]. Meetiga, a trade name for Arabian myrrh, is more brittle and gummy than the Somali variety and does not have the latter's white markings.

Liquid myrrh, or [[stacte]], which was 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 formerly a greatly valued ingredient of Jewish holy incense, but is no longer commercially available.


==Etymology==
The word ''myrrh'' corresponds to 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|mureera}}''. Its name entered the [[English language]] by way of the [[Hebrew Bible]], in which it is called {{lang|he|מור}} ''{{lang|he-Latn|mor}}'', and also 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> It appears in numerous pre-Hellenic sources up to the translation of the [[Tanakh]] into the [[Septuagint]], and later makes it way into the [[Greek myth]] about [[Myrrha]]; in the [[Ancient Greek language]], the related word {{lang|grc|μῠ́ρον}} (''{{lang|grc-Latn|múron}}''), likely derived from a Semitic source, 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}}

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

In [[pharmacology]], myrrh has been 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 has also been used in liniments and salves applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. Myrrh has been used as an [[analgesic]] for toothache pain and in liniments applied to bruises, aching muscles, 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 gum has often been claimed to reduce the symptoms of indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, respiratory congestion, arthritis, and cancer, although more good scientific evidence is needed to support these uses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Myrrh - Uses, Side Effects, and More |url=https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-570/myrrh |access-date=2024-02-22 |publisher=WebMD: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version}}</ref><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> There is evidence to suggest certain compounds in myrrh interact with [[Opioid|central opioid pathways]] in the brain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Dolara |first=Piero |date=1996-01-04 |title=Analgesic effects of myrrh |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/379029a0.pdf |journal=Nature |volume=379 |issue=6560 |pages=29|doi=10.1038/379029a0 |pmid=8538737 |bibcode=1996Natur.379...29D }}</ref>

==Religious ritual==

===In Ancient Egypt and Punt (Horn of Africa)===
The fifth-dynasty ruler of Egypt, [[Sahure|King Sahure]], recorded the earliest attested expedition to the [[land of Punt]], the modern day [[Horn of Africa]] (particularly [[Somalia]]), whose members brought back large quantities of myrrh, [[frankincense]], [[malachite]] and [[electrum]]. The expedition also brought back wild animals (particularly [[cheetahs]]), a secretary bird (''[[Sagittarius serpentarius]]''), [[giraffes]] and [[Hamadryas baboon|Hamadryas]] baboons (which were sacred to the [[Ancient Egyptians]]), [[ebony]], [[ivory]] and animal skins. In a relief from his mortuary temple celebrating the success of this expedition, Sahure is shown tending a myrrh tree in the garden of his palace. The relief, entitled "''Sahure's splendor soars up to heaven''", is the only one in Egyptian art that depicts 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 sacramental [[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>

== Other products that can be confused with myrrh ==
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".

==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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20090621091727/http://www.bookofherbs.com:80/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}}
*[http://www.itmonline.org/arts/myrrh.htm History of Myrrh and Frankincense] (itmonline.org)

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

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