Myrrh

Origin and history

Myrrh comes from arid trees that grow in Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea. The resin is collected by making cuts in the bark of the tree; the milky sap that comes out solidifies into reddish-brown drops that are the myrrh. Egyptians used it intensively for embalming mummies (its preservative properties — proven scientific antimicrobial — made it ideal for the funerary process); also for ritual incense and cosmetics. Israel and Hebrew tradition: the holy anointing oil of the Old Testament priests (Exodus 30:23) had myrrh as main ingredient.

The Greco-Roman world imported it massively from Arabia along the famous "incense route" — myrrh was so valuable that, in some periods, was traded at gold weight. Roman emperors burnt enormous quantities of myrrh in their funeral pyres as supreme honour (Nero is said to have burnt the annual production of an entire region of Arabia at the funeral of his wife). Christian Bible: along with frankincense, myrrh is one of the two regal gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus (Matthew 2:11) — symbolises foreseeing his future suffering and death (myrrh was associated with embalming).

Properties and use

Empirical-medicinal properties (validated by modern science): powerful antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory; helps heal mouth ulcers and gum infections; antiseptic for skin wounds; respiratory expectorant. The myrrh tincture is in many natural medicine cabinets for these uses.

Esoteric properties: 1) Profound spiritual cleansing — myrrh is more terrestrial and grounding than the frankincense (which is more elevating); the two complement perfectly. 2) Sacred connection with the divine feminine — myrrh has historical associations with goddess mother (Isis, Cybele, Mary) and feminine maternal energies. 3) Mourning processes — its association with embalming and death makes it an appropriate incense for: family mourning rituals, work with deceased loved ones, anniversaries of significant deaths. 4) Mature meditation — its grounding aroma helps anchor in deep contemplative state without dispersing. 5) Spiritual healing — combine with frankincense for sustained healing rituals.

How to use it

1) Burn as resin incense: small pieces of resin on self-igniting charcoal (similar to the system of copal burning). The penetrating smoke fills the space with dense ritual energy. 2) Combine with frankincense in equal proportions — combination of perfect balance (terrestrial + celestial). 3) Diluted essential oil in carrier oil for skin: heals minor cuts, soothes inflamed gums (in mouth wash), traditional anointing. 4) Tincture for rinses against gum infections (commercially available in pharmacy). 5) Ritual offerings to the divine feminine, in ceremonies of mourning, in exorcism (combined with frankincense). 6) Powder as additional ingredient in ritual incense compounds.