Myrrh
commiphora myrrha (HOLMES)
N.O. Burseraceae

Myrrh Gum

DESCRIPTION
Bushes yielding the resin do not grow
more than 9 feet in height, but they are of sturdy build,
with knotted branches, and branchlets
that stand out at right-angles, ending in a sharp spine.

The trifoliate leaves are scanty,
small and very unequal, oval and entire.

It was first recognized about 1822 at Ghizan
on the Red Sea coast, a district so bare and dry
that it is called 'Tehama,' meaning 'hell.'

Botanically, there is still uncertainty
about the origin and identity of the various species.

There are ducts in the bark, and the tissue
between them breaks down, forming large cavities, which,
with the remaining ducts, becomes filled with a granular
secretion which is freely discharged
when the bark is wounded, or from natural fissures.

It flows as a pale yellow liquid,
but hardens to a reddish-brown mass,
being found in commerce in tears of many sizes,
the average being that of a walnut.

The surface is rough and powdered,
and the pieces are brittle, with a granular fracture,
semi-transparent, oily, and often show whitish marks.

The odour and taste are aromatic, and acrid and bitter.
It is inflammable, but burns feebly.

Several species are recognized in commerce.
It is usually imported in chests weighing 1 or 2 cwts.,
and wherever produced comes chiefly from the East Indies.

Adulterations are not easily detected in the powder,
so that it is better purchased in mass,
when small stones, senegal gum, chestnuts,
pieces of bdellium, or of a brownish resin called
'false myrrh,' may be sorted out with little difficulty.

It has been used from remote ages
as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, etc.,
in the holy oil of the Jews and the Kyphi
of the Egyptians for embalming and fumigations.

Little appears to be definitely known
about the collection of myrrh.
It seems probable that the best drug comes
from Somaliland, is bought at the fairs
of Berbera by the Banians of India,
shipped to Bombay, and there sorted, the best coming
to Europe and the worst being sent to China.

The true myrrh is known in the markets as karam, formerly
called Turkey myrrh, and the opaque bdellium as meena harma.

Gum makes a good mucilage and the insoluble residue
from the tincture can be used in this way.



DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Action and Uses
Other Myrrh Species



SOURCE(S)
Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Herbs Delivered
Midwest Tech Enterprises
Viable Herbal
Mother Earth Works

"The Herb Book"
by John Lust



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