 |
Although proven effective only for mild oral inflammations, Myrrh is occasionally used to loosen phlegm and relieve gas. In Asian medicine, it's also used for stomach pain, missed menstrual periods, indigestion, skin diseases, poor circulation, and wounds. One of the wise men's gifts to the infant Jesus, Myrrh has been used since pre-biblical times in incense and perfumes. It is an ingredient in the holy oil of Jewish ceremonies, and was employed by the ancient Egyptians for embalming. Myrrh is a resin exuded by the cut bark of Commiphora molmol, a shrub native to the eastern Mediterranean area and Somalia. The plant, which grows up to 9 feet high, has a thick trunk and numerous irregular knotted branches. The pale yellow resin that oozes from a wound in the bark dries to a reddish brown mass about the size of a walnut. It has disinfectant properties, and acts as an astringent, tightening and drying the tissues. Myrrh is effective in that it causes the body to increase the white blood cells up to four fold their regular number, that makes this herb one of the strongest immune builders in the world.
|
|
