Overview

Myrrh is the gummy-like resin (sap) of certain trees that grow in Africa and the Middle East. It is used as aromatherapy and added to soap, cosmetics, perfume, and incense for its pleasant fragrance. Dietary supplements that contain myrrh are used for many reasons, but their benefits are not well defined. Taking myrrh by mouth may cause an upset stomach. Applying it to the skin may cause an allergic skin reaction in some people. Before using myrrh, tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is myrrh used for?

Myrrh is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons for using myrrh include the following.

• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• For certain infections or infestations
• To improve oral health
• To reduce inflammation from various causes

Note: Myrrh is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food flavoring. Learn more about GRAS status here. The FDA has not reviewed myrrh dietary supplements or essential oils for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here. Learn more about essential oils here.

How does myrrh work (mechanism of action)?

Myrrh is the gummy-like resin (sap) of commiphora trees. Most myrrh products are made from Commiphora myrrha, which is known as African myrrh, or C. madagascariensis, which is known as Arabian myrrh. Its distinctive and pleasant smell has led to its use in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, and incense and as aromatherapy. Myrrh is also commonly used as a food flavoring and a dietary supplement.

Myrrh contains many substances, some of which may be able to reduce swelling (inflammation). It is sometimes used as a mouthwash or liquid extract to help improve the health of the mouth and gums. It is also used as a dietary supplement to help with stomach problems and inflammation in different parts of the body. But there is very little research on the use of myrrh for any reason, and its benefits are not well defined.

Some of the chemicals in myrrh may also be able to kill bacteria, parasites, and worms when studied in a lab. But these chemicals must be present in high concentrations, and taking myrrh by mouth is not expected to provide enough of these chemicals to kill any organisms. In fact, some research has shown that myrrh is not helpful in people with serious worm infections, such as schistosomiasis. If you are concerned that you have or are at risk for an infection from a parasite or worm, speak with a health care provider right away.

Natural substances, such as myrrh, contain many chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific myrrh product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store myrrh?

You should store myrrh according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of myrrh?

The most common side effect of myrrh is an upset stomach. This side effect may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of myrrh that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of myrrh?

While less common, the most serious side effects of myrrh are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Myrrh may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using myrrh and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Allergic Skin Reactions. Applying myrrh to the skin can cause allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis), such as rashes and blisters, in some people. Stop using products that contain myrrh and contact your health care provider right away if you have a skin reaction.

Precautions

Who should not use myrrh?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use myrrh.

• Gum myrrh
• Myrrh
• Oleo gum resin
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific myrrh products they stock.

What should I know about myrrh before using it?

Myrrh is commonly used as a fragrance in soap, cosmetics, perfume, and incense. It is also added to foods as a flavoring and is available as an essential oil and dietary supplement. These products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep myrrh out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as myrrh, naturally contain many chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific myrrh product can change for many reasons, including the area where the tree grew, the weather during growth, the time of year when the resin was harvested, and the way that it was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Myrrh is available in many forms, including a solid resin, essential oil, liquid extract, and capsule. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the resin.

If you are using a liquid product, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

The FDA has not tested myrrh products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using myrrh?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if myrrh is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin.Myrrh can cause skin irritation in people who have sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your health care provider before using myrrh.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how myrrh could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if myrrh passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does myrrh interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between myrrh and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect myrrh.

Does myrrh interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between myrrh and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with myrrh is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking myrrh with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much myrrh?

If you or someone else has used too much myrrh, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Myrrh is available in a wide range of forms and may be used in many different ways. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use myrrh safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.