Title: Myrrh Essential Oil: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
Headings: The Health Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil
The Health Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil
Ancient oil is prized for its healing and beautifying properties
How It Works
Uses
Health Benefits
Gum Disease
Possible Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
What to Look For
Other Questions
A Word From Verywell

Content: Learn about our Medical Review Board
Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc
Updated on July 11, 2020
Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Possible Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
What to Look For
Other Questions
Myrrh 1 ﻿ has been used since ancient times as perfume and incense for medicinal and sacred purposes. Myrrh essential oil is a staple in aromatherapy and is believed to ease coughs and colds, soothe digestive discomfort, and boost immunity. Sourced from the gum of the Commiphora myrrha tree (a plant native to the Arabian peninsula and Africa), myrrh essential oil contains several compounds that may help enhance health, including terpenoids, a class of chemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects). Verywell / Jessica Olah
How It Works
In aromatherapy, inhaling the aroma of myrrh essential oil is thought to transmit messages to the limbic system, a brain region involved in controlling emotions that also influences the nervous system. Aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function. Uses
When used in aromatherapy, myrrh is said to help treat or prevent the following health problems: colds
cough
insomnia
sore throat
In addition, myrrh essential oil is said to reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system, alleviate pain, and promote wound healing. Sometimes used as an ingredient in skincare products, myrrh essential oil is also purported to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Health Benefits
Although several preliminary studies indicate that myrrh essential oil may offer certain health benefits, there is currently a lack of research testing the health effects of aromatherapeutic use of myrrh essential oil. Studies show myrrh essential oil may have antimicrobial properties.