Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha Plant Part: Resin Extraction Method: Steam Origin: Africa Description: Though classified as shrubs, Myrrh can grow up to 10 Meters in height. The trunk exudes a natural oleoresin that hardens into what is classified as reddish brown œTears. Native collectors make incisions into the trees in order to increase the yield. Color: Dark Brown Common Uses: Myrrh is thought to enhance spirituality. Aromatherapists use it as an aid in meditation or before healing. It's actions are characterized as the following: antimicrobial, antifungal, astringent and healing, tonic and stimulant, carminative, stomachic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, diaphoretic, vulnerary, locally antiseptic, immune stimulant, bitter, circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. Consistency: Medium to Heavy. Note: Middle Strength of Aroma: Medium Blends well with: Frankincense, Lavender (All), Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rose (All), Rosewood, Sandalwood (All), Tea Tree, Thyme (All). Aromatic Scent: Myrrh essential oil has a warm, rich, spicy balsamic odour. History: Myrrh has been used for centuries as an ingredient in incense, perfumes, and for embalming and fumigations in Ancient Egypt. In folk tradition it was used for muscular pains and in rheumatic plasters. Called mo yao in China, it has been used since at least 600B.C. primarily as a wound herb and blood stimulant. Gerard said of Myrrh' the marvelous effects that it worked in new and green wounds were here too long to set down...' Myrrh oil, distilled from the resin, has been used since ancient Greek times to heal wounds. Cautions: Myrrh can be possibly toxic in high concentrations, and should not be used during pregnancy.