Myrrh is a resin
extract, and one of the most ancient extracts used in medicine, ritual,
ceremony, and sacrament, dating back as far as 4500 B.C.E. The Egyptians used
this precious oil for embalming the dead as well as for beautifying practices.
One of the Twelve Oils of Ancient Scripture, myrrh is mentioned in the Bible
dozens of times, most often as a gift or the base oil in ointments and salves.
In fact, it was so commonly used during the time of Christ that the Greek word
for “ointment” and the Greek word for “myrrh” were the same: muron. It is known that Chinese,
Egyptian, and Indian herbalists used myrrh as an inhalant and for religious
sacrament more than 4,000 years ago. Today, myrrh is still considered special
and is used in meditation, massage, and perfumery.
Our Myrrh Essential
Oil [Prima Fleur, No. 196] is from Ethiopia obtained from “tears” of resin
exuding from incisions made in the bark of a small tree of the Burseraceae family that is native to
Yemen, Somalia and eastern parts of Ethiopia.
It is extracted by supercritical fluid extraction with natural carbon
dioxide. It takes 11 to 16 kilos of raw material to yield 1 kilo of product.
When soil, elevation, temperature, and rainfall conditions are conducive,
testing the viscosity and stickiness of freshly exposed sap predicts the
resulting resin’s quality.
In perfumery, myrrh
is a rich deep base note adding dry, woody, balsamic properties. It is also a
fixative, and extends the scent qualities of any other oils with which it is
combined. Myrrh has been used to treat many conditions and is said to
strengthen the immune system, fight viruses and bacterial infections, and act
as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal. Skilled herbalists, Ayurvedic practitioners, and Chinese doctors use
Myrrh for winter-related conditions, including cracked skin, colds, coughs,
sore throats, and chest infections as Myrrh is soothing, drying, and
restorative.
Myrrh is best
blended with lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, geranium, sage and citrus
oils. It is an excellent base in exotic, spicy blends with evergreens,
patchouli, spice oils, and heavy florals.
For more information on how to order
from our Premier Product line, please visit our website.
For questions, or to explore custom development with exquisite botanicals from
our extensive library of raw materials, please contact sales@primafleur.com or
call (415) 455-0957.
