Myrrh resin is highly prized. The resin has a rich history and has many uses both in mundane and in Pagan circles. This versatile herb is in many ways a staple of a witch's herbal. I wrote this peice to highlight the resins many uses.
Myrrh is a valuable resin produced by Commiphorra myrrha tree. Myrrh like all tree resin is actually hardened sap. The sap is secreted by the Commiphorra myrrha tree when its bark has been removed or penetrated. The sap protects the tree from invasion by fungus and insects. The sap leaks out of the damaged spots on the tree and hardens into oblong shapes generally referred to as tears.
Myrrh resin has been used in religious rituals both Pagan and Christian for millenia. It is perhaps most well known for its inclusion in the story of Jesus of Nazareth's birth. According to the Christian bible Myrrh, along with gold and frankincense, was one of the gifts brought to the child Jesus by three wise men. The time indicated in the account coincides with the height of Myrrh's heyday because the resin was widely used in Pagan religious practices.
The Commiphorra myrrha trees are native to parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. During its peak Myrrh resin sales helped Ethiopia flourish, thrive and become a great kingdom that sharply contrasts the famine stricken, third world Ethiopia of modern times.
Myrrh's decline, and also Ethiopia's, began with the advent of Christianity. As Christianity spread and many Myrrh loving Pagans were converted demand for Myrrh dropped dramatically. While not entirely responsible for Ethiopia's decline the drop in Myrrh sales contributed to it greatly.Myrrh is still used by some Christian sects in certain services. Demand for the resin is also rebounding slightly due to the rise of Wicca and other neo-pagan religions.
Myrrh resin is quite hard and is reddish brown in appearance. It is often ground and then used in incense blends. Small unground chunks of Myrrh resin are also used in incense, usually burned on charcoal discs. When Myrrh is burned it has a very smoky, earthy scent with a hint of sweetness. It is said to add depth to incense blends and perfumes.
Finely ground myrrh can be used a natural colorant in many personal care items. The resin is used in many bath products. It is antiseptic in nature causing it to be used in items such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and salves for wounds. The resin is used in both Chinese Medicine and Modern Herbalism.
Myrrh is not hypo-allergenic, however it has an excellent safety record and allergies to it are uncommon. However, the resin should not be used by pregnant women. One should consult a doctor before using any herb or resin.
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