Myrrh Resin

Myrrh resin (from Arabic murr, “bitter”), bitter-tasting, agreeably aromatic, yellow to reddish brown oleoresinous gum obtained from various small, thorny, flowering trees of the genus Commiphora, of the incense-tree family (Burseraceae). The two main varieties of myrrh are herabol and bisabol. Herabol myrrh is obtained from C. myrrha, which grows in Ethiopia, Arabia, and Somalia, while bisabol myrrh is obtained from C. erythraea, which is an Arabian species of similar appearance. Myrrh trees are found on parched rocky hills and grow up to 3 m (9 feet) tall.

Myrrh was highly esteemed by the ancients; in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, it was an ingredient of costly incenses, perfumes, and cosmetics and was used in medicines for local applications and in embalming. In medieval Europe myrrh was also regarded as rare and precious; but in modern commerce it is of trifling value. Modern uses are chiefly as an ingredient in dentifrices, perfumes, and stimulating tonics and as a protective agent in pharmaceuticals. Myrrh has slight antiseptic, astringent, and carminative properties and has been employed medically as a carminative and in tinctures to relieve sore gums and mouth. An essential oil distilled from myrrh is a constituent of certain heavy perfumes.

Myrrh exudes as a fluid from resin ducts in the tree bark when the bark splits naturally or is cut in tapping. Upon exposure to air, myrrh hardens slowly into globules and irregular lumps called tears, which are then collected from the trees.

Magickal Uses Of Myrrh

Deity Association: Isis, Adonis, Ra, Marian

Gender: Feminine

Element: water

Myrrh is a tree resin that has been used and valued since ancient times for its medicinal, cosmetic, aromatic and spiritual applications.

The aroma is woody, earthy and a bit balsmic. It is a wonderful base note to include in blends intended for spiritual, meditative and Christmas room fragrancing applications.

Emotionally, Myrrh Oil is grounding and helps to mellow out the emotions.

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Part Typically Used: Resin

Color: Golden Yellow/Brown

Consistency: Medium

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong

Aromatic Description: Warm, earthy, woody, balsamic.

Myrrh is a Goddess plant of the Moon's sphere, sacred to Isis. Burned as an incense,myrrh purifies the area, lifts the vibrations aids contemplation and meditation and creates peace. However, it is seldom burned alone; usually in conjunction with frankincense or other resins. Myrrh increases the power of any incense to which it is added. Myrrh is also included in healing incenses and sachets, and its smoke is used to consecrate, purify and bless objects such as amulets, talismans, charms, and magical tools. It also aids meditation and contemplation. The essential oil can be added to blends designed to enhance spirituality and meditation. It is also used in healing mixtures.

Myrrh helps one understand the nature of being spiritually aware. It not only assists in expanding your wisdom, but provides a gentle comfort from the Universe as one moves further into the mysteries.

Altar Oil Recipes:

4 drops Frankincense
2 drops Myrrh
1 drop Cedar
Anoint the altar with this oil at regular intervals, calling your deity/ies to watch over it.

Altar #2

4 parts Frankincense
3 parts Myrrh
1 part Galangal
1 part Vervain
1 part Lavender
Anoint the altar with this oil at regular intervals to purify and empower it.

Combining With Other Essential Oils

This resinous scent goes well with the natural fragrances of allspice, ambrette, amyris, angelica root, balsam of peru, bay leaf, beeswax, benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, blood orange, caraway, carrot seed, cassia, cedarwood, chamomile, cistus, citronella, clary sage, clove bud, coconut, copal, coriander, costus, cypress, davana, fir balsam, frankincense, galangal, galbanum, geranium, grapefruit, guaiacwood, gurjun balsam, hay, hyssop, juniper, labdanum, lavender, lemon, mace, mastic, nutmeg, oakmoss, opoponax, orangeflower absolute, orris, palmarosa, patchouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, spearmint, spruce, tobacco, tonka bean, vanilla, vetiver, wormwood, and ylang ylang.

The myth of Myrrha is a sad story of incest and guilt. Being in love with her father, King Cynyras of Cyprus, the poor girl, seduced him while her mother and all married women were away during the festival of Ceres. On the third, night the king, curious who his lover was, shone a light in her face. Shocked and reviled he grabbed for the sword to kill her but she ran away. Pregnant and unhappy to the core of her soul she wandered the earth for the term of her pregnancy. But before she gave birth she prayed to the Gods to turn her into a tree so she would neither offend the living nor the dead. Her wish was granted and she was transformed into a Myrrh tree. Her tears of sorrow and regret still keep flowing.

How to Make Myrrh Oil

Myrrh essential oil is traditionally steam-distilled directly from myrrh resin. The oil has a milder and more pleasant smell than the actual resin, although some formulas are a bit strong. You can try making your own myrrh oil infusion at home.

Materials:

Myrrh resin
Olive or any vegetable carrier oil
Glass vial
Mason jar

Procedure:

Put a cup of the oil of your choice into a small saucepan, along with a quarter ounce (or seven grams) of myrrh resin to the oil. Set the heat to low, and allow the mixture to sit for six hours, occasionally stirring it.

Put the oil in a mason jar and put it in a place with direct sunlight, such as by a window, for up to two weeks.

Filter the oil to remove any residues.

Pour the myrrh oil into a glass vial.