Synonyms: African Myrrh, Arabian Myrrh, Balsamodendron Myrrha, Commiphora Resin, Guggal Gum, Guggal Resin, Gum Myrrh, Heerabol Myrrh, Mo Yao, Myrrha, Somali Myrrh, Yemen Myrrh
Family: Burseraceae
Genus species: African Myrrh, Somali Myrrh: Commiphora molmol, Commiphora myrrha, Arabian Myrrh, Yemen Myrrh: Commiphora madagascariensis (syn. Commiphora abyssinica), Commiphora erythraea, et al.
Type: Shrub or small tree
Part Used: Oleo-gum resin from stems
Location: Abyssinia, Erythrea, North Africa, Somalia, southern Arabia, Sudan, Yemen
Actions: Alterative, anodyne, anticatarrhal, antidiabetic, antifungal, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitussive, astringent, bitter, bowel cleanser, carminative, circulatory stimulant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fragrance, immunostimulant (increases WBC count), protective, stimulant, stomach cleanser, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant, vulnerary
Indications: Abrasions, amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete's foot, bedsore, bronchitis, bronchorrhea, brucellosis, cancer, canker sores, chronic cough, common cold, conjunctivitis (eyewash), cystitis, cystorrhea, dermatitis, diabetes mellitus, endometritis, furunculosis, gastroenteritis, gingivitis, halitosis, hemorrhoids, herpes simplex, hoarseness, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hysteria, lochia, menoxenia, mouth ulcers, muscle spasms, nephritis, periodontitis, pyorrhea, rheumatism, sinus problems, sinusitis, sore throat, stomatitis, thrush, tonsillitis, toothache, urethritis, uterine inflammation, vaginitis, wounds
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Decoction: 3-12 g, in 2-3 doses
Mouthwash or gargle: 5 ml of tincture in a glass of water
Tincture: 1:5, 90% ethanol, dose 1-2.5 ml
Contraindications: Lactation, menorrhagia, pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. Antidiabetics, hypoglycemics. Myrrh preparations may interfere with hypo- or hyperthyroid drugs.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) Convulsions, drowsiness, lethargy. Doses larger than 2-4 g may cause nephritis and diarrhea.
Safety: GRAS.