8 Myrrh Essential Oil Benefits: Healing Guide & Use Tips

Myrrh essential oil benefits are well-studied and are incredible examples of how a historically medicinal plant, has research-based relevance today. So, forget about the Christmas story for a minute, myrrh should be on everyone’s radar throughout the entire year!

History of Myrrh

Gifted to the baby Jesus and remembered each year at Christmas, many of us may not realize that myrrh is actually used every day around the world. While most of our essential oils and herbal remedies come from leaves and flowers, myrrh is much more exotic. It is the resin, similar to a sap, of an African and Middle Eastern tree, the Commiphora myrrha, that is used to distill the essential oil.

We know that myrrh is of old thanks to the gifts of the Magi, but that’s not the only documentation. Ancient Egyptians, as part of their intricate mummification process, utilized myrrh in their rituals. We have a record from Herodotus that describes myrrh’s use in approximately 450 B.C., though mummification was in practice for centuries prior.

Myrrh trees have been historically used in ayurvedic treatments, as medicine in China, and as part of Jewish anointing oils. And the herb is still in use today. This Commiphora myrrha tree has stood where ancient Egyptians and Hebrews walked, and still stands today, sharing its healing resin with yet another era. Not all healing is sweet and pleasant, though. Myrrh is named for the Arabic word for “bitter”: murr. Myrrh essential oil is an incredible example of how plant-based medicines can connect us with historical healing traditions.

Myrrh Essential Oil’s Therapeutic Properties

Chemically, myrrh oil is comprised of terpenoids. Terpenoids have a reputation as potent healers, potentially because of their role in protecting the plant from oxidative stress. As we know, this kind of stress causes cell death, and it’s not exclusive to humans.

After centuries of use in aromatic and medicinal forms, science is uncovering more and more of the healing properties of myrrh essential oil by the day. Some of the scientifically acknowledged properties include:

• Antiseptic
• Anesthetic
• Antitumor
• Antiparasitic
• Antioxidant
• Wound healing

These actions have been traditionally applied to skin infections, oral health, inflammation, intestinal health, and pain relief, all confirmed in some way by modern science.

The more research uncovers, the more we see stress in its various states as an underlying cause of so many illnesses and discomforts. It’s no wonder that a powerful antioxidant would carry such varied benefits. And powerful it is! Myrrh extract exhibits an antioxidant effect strong enough that it can protect the liver – the “detox” organ that is bombarded with toxins every day – from oxidative damage.

Not only does myrrh utilize antioxidant properties to seek out free radicals and reverse oxidative damage, but it may be able to eliminate cancer cells, as well. Researchers in China recently published their findings on myrrh’s cancer-fighting abilities, after in vitro lab tests demonstrated the inhibition of cancer cell growth. As with most cancer research, the steps forward toward proven treatments are detailed and difficult, but the foundation is clearly there, and the potential is absolutely intriguing!

8 Myrrh Essential Oil Benefits

So how exactly does one utilize such a powerful, ancient, even holy substance? Honestly, however you’d like! The healing properties of myrrh oil have an increasingly well-studied background and have been demonstrated as an effective remedy in more than one category. The numerous benefits of myrrh oil make it one of my favorite natural remedy ingredients.

1. Skin Healing & Regeneration

With these antimicrobial effects in combination with pain and inflammation relief, myrrh is an excellent wound healer. Healthy skin growth after a wound, is critical and infection would set healing back.

In an interesting study evaluating postpartum women who delivered vaginally with an episiotomy, myrrh oil in a topical application via sitz bath or soap was actually shown to help the perineum heal by warding off the identified bacteria Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The researchers concluded, “These findings indicate that postpartum aromatherapy for perineal care could be effective in healing the perineum.”

If you plan to breastfeed, however, some indications are that myrrh may impact milk supply so you’d want to look for a different natural remedy.

Application: Mix 2 drops of myrrh with 2 drops of lavender and 2 drops of frankincense in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a healing blend. Apply this mixture to scars, cracked heels, or minor cuts two to three times daily to support natural skin repair.

2. Oral Health

The mouth is a dirty place. We’re exposed to so much through our mouths, making it a hotbed of microbes and potential illness. When we do get sick, our mouths often notice first – sore throats, phlegm, and other discomforts settle in as one of the first signs of many illnesses. What’s more, diseases of the mouth and gums are all too common.

Clinical research in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research has even shown that myrrh mouthwash significantly reduced oral inflammation and gum problems, even helping cancer patients with mouth sores.

According to a review conducted by Egyptian researchers, myrrh oil “is one of the most effective herbal medicines in the world for sore throats, canker sores, and gingivitis.” And when it is combined with frankincense essential oil, a special synergy occurs. According to a recent South African study,

“Frankincense and myrrh have been used in combination since 1500 BC…When assayed in various combinations, the frankincense and myrrh oils displayed synergistic, additive, and noninteractive properties, with no antagonism noted. When investigating different ratio combinations against Bacillus cereus, the most favorable combination was between B. papyrifera and C. myrrha.”

Application: Enjoy its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects by mixing a drop into your toothpaste when you brush your teeth each night, add a drop in your oil pulling routine, or creating our homemade mouthwash recipe with myrrh.

3. Antiparasitic Actions

No one wants to think about parasite infestations, but what we really don’t want is to be caught with a parasite and unable to treat it. Egyptian scientists tackled this issue, as well, working with patients who had signs of parasites in their stool.

Antiparasitic treatments are often harsh and come with intestinal discomfort compared to natural remedies. After testing a treatment utilizing myrrh essential oil, “no signs of toxicity or adverse reactions” were a problem and the treatment was successful.  This was against a specific parasite, of course, but the potential for improved treatment and even protection against infection exists!

Application: Discuss with your doctor about taking 1-2 drops of myrrh in an enteric coated capsule to treat parasites. Alternatively, topical application with a blend of 6 drops of myrrh and 6 drops of clove in 1 ounce of jojoba oil massaged over the abdomen can support digestive cleansing protocols.

4. IMMUNE DEFENSE & MICROBIAL SUPPORT

This remarkable oil offers broad protection against harmful microorganisms, helping your immune system fight off bacterial, fungal, and viral threats. Myrrh works especially well in immune-supporting blends during cold and flu season. A comprehensive 2020 review in the journal Antibiotics demonstrated myrrh’s impressive ability to combat dangerous pathogens including E. coli, S. aureus, and even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Application: When illness is going around, try diffusing two drops each of myrrh, lemon and clove oil to clean the air in your home of airborne microbes stimulate healing with every breath.

5. EMOTIONAL GROUNDING & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION

Myrrh has been treasured since biblical times for its ability to promote calmness and spiritual awareness during prayer and meditation. This ancient oil helps ground your emotions during stressful times. Scientists have discovered that compounds in myrrh, particularly furanodiene, have genuine calming effects on your nervous system and can help regulate stress hormones like cortisol, as shown in a 2017 study published in Neurochemical Research.

Application: Diffuse myrrh during quiet reflection time, or dilute it with a carrier oil and apply to your temples and wrists to promote emotional balance and deepen your spiritual practice.

6. HORMONAL & WOMEN’S HEALTH SUPPORT

Myrrh offers gentle support for women’s hormonal health, often working beautifully when combined with oils like clary sage and lavender. Rather than directly affecting hormones, it supports your endocrine system by reducing inflammation and promoting overall balance. Traditional use includes support for irregular cycles, uterine health, and menopausal comfort.

Application: For monthly or menopausal support, combine 4 drops each of myrrh, geranium and clary sage with 1 ounce of a carrier oil. Massage this blend onto your lower abdomen or inner ankles daily for gentle hormonal support.

7. DIGESTIVE SOOTHING & DETOXIFICATION

While perhaps less well known for digestive support, myrrh has a long traditional history of helping with stomach discomfort. Modern studies show that myrrh essential oil can provide relief from gas, bloating, and indigestion thanks to its anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Traditional medicine has long used it for gut infections and supporting liver detoxification.

Application: For digestive comfort, blend 4 drops each myrrh, peppermint and ginger in 1 ounce of your favorite carrier oil and gently massage in clockwise circles over your abdomen after meals.

8. Cancer Fighting

Last, but certainly not least, the ability myrrh essential oil has in fighting cancer is becoming a popular topic in the industry. One of the most thorough studies on the topic was published in the journal Oncology Letters in 2013, and this is what they discovered about frankincense and myrrh oil:

“The effects of the two essential oils, independently and as a mixture, on five tumor cell lines, MCF-7, HS-1, HepG2, HeLa, and A549, were investigated using the MTT assay. The results indicated that the MCF-7 and HS-1 cell lines showed increased sensitivity to the myrrh and frankincense essential oils compared with the remaining cell lines. In addition, the anticancer effects of myrrh were markedly increased compared with those of frankincense, however, no significant synergistic effects were identified.”

Of course, no one is claiming that myrrh will cure cancer here, but as more research is conducted in this area, I hope to see more definitive recommendations on how to use it!

Application: Review The Truth About Essential Oils for Cancer Treatment report on our blog to discover all of the ways you can use aromatherapy to support your cancer healing journey.

Parting Thoughts

From ancient altars to modern apothecaries, myrrh essential oil remains one of nature’s most powerful healing remedies. Its therapeutic properties have been valued for thousands of years, naturally soothing the body, strengthening immune function, and restoring damaged skin. But the significance of myrrh extends far beyond its physical benefits.

Throughout history, this precious resin has held deep spiritual meaning. In biblical times, myrrh was among the gifts presented to baby Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:11. It was also a key ingredient in sacred temple anointing oil mentioned in Exodus 30:23, and was used in burial preparations as described in John 19:39. These uses established myrrh as a symbol of sacrifice, purification, and divine reverence.

Today, we can appreciate this ancient oil both for its scientifically documented healing properties and its rich spiritual heritage. Myrrh serves as a beautiful reminder that genuine wellness encompasses the whole person, addressing physical needs while also nurturing mental clarity and spiritual grounding.

When you choose to incorporate myrrh into your daily wellness practices, you’re participating in a tradition that spans millennia. This isn’t simply about personal care routines. It’s about honoring and caring for the body you’ve been given, treating it as the precious gift it truly is. By using myrrh mindfully, you connect with both the wisdom of ancient healing traditions and the powerful benefits that modern research continues to validate.

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