Myrrh (mira in tagalog)

(Commiphora mayrrha) Part used: Gum. Properties: Antiseptic, emmenagogue, carminative, expectorant, stimulant. What it affects: Stomach and lungs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 5-15 min. Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: 30-60 drops (1/2-1 tsp.) 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 2-6 #0 capsules (10-40 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Myrrh is a strong antiseptic and works well with goldenseal. Mix them in equal parts.

Internally, myrrh is a powerful antiseptic, and ranks with goldenseal and Echinacea. It is often combined in equal parts with goldenseal as a specific for intestinal ulcers, intestinal catarrh, bad breath, and other mucous membrane problems. It is an antiseptic, disinfectant, expectorant, and deodorizer. Myrrh destroy putrefaction in the intestines and prevents blood absorption of toxins. The tincture added to water is an excellent mouth wash for spongy gums, pyorrhea, and all throat diseases. It destroys putrefication in the intestine. It stimulants the immune system and gastric secretions; and it is good for sinusitis, sore throat, herpes simplex, and ulcers. It treats chronic diarrhea, lung disease, and general body weaknesses.

• Use myrrh for hemorrhoids, bedsores, asthma, boils, cankers, chronic catarrh, colitis, coughs, digestive tonic bleeding gums, herpes, indigestion, infections, leucorrhea, mouth sores, skin diseases, thrush, and ulcers. Small doses will help remove toxins from the stomach and intestines.

Externally, myrrh is used for cankers, cuts, bleeding gums, leucorrhea, abscesses, boils, mouth sores, skin disease, thrush, and wounds. It is a good wash for wounds and skin diseases. The powder will dry up most skin problems. It is excellent for most problems involving pus, externally or internally. It helps fight harmful bacteria in the mouth. Insert the tincture of myrrh in the sinuses for all sinus infections and inflammations. If the sinuses are too sensitive, dilute it with water.

Note: Other gums and resinous materials from conifers, such as pine and fir, have similar properties.

Warning: Myrrh and other gums should not be used in large amounts over a long period of time, for they contain potent volatile oils that are toxic in large amounts.