Overview

Myrrh is a yellow, fragrant, sap-like resin that comes out of cuts in the bark of certain Commiphora trees, including the Commiphora myrrham tree.

Myrrh contains chemicals that might reduce pain and kill bacteria. It's used worldwide but is especially popular in China and Egypt.

People use myrrh for back pain, diarrhea, parasite infections, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using myrrh for COVID-19.

Don't confuse myrrh with guggul. These are related but not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely InEffective for

  • A disease caused by parasitic worms (schistosomiasis). Taking myrrh by mouth does not help treat this infection in adults or children.
There is interest in using myrrh for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Myrrh is commonly consumed in foods as a flavoring agent. Myrrh is possibly safe when used as medicine in doses of 400 mg three times daily for up to 12 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But taking large doses of myrrh is possibly unsafe. Doses greater than 2-4 grams can cause kidney problems and heart rate changes.

When applied to the skin: Myrrh is possibly safe for most people. It's been used safely in a diluted bath for up to 7 days. It might cause a skin rash in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Myrrh is commonly consumed in foods as a flavoring agent. Myrrh is possibly safe when used as medicine in doses of 400 mg three times daily for up to 12 months. It's usually well-tolerated. But taking large doses of myrrh is possibly unsafe. Doses greater than 2-4 grams can cause kidney problems and heart rate changes.

When applied to the skin: Myrrh is possibly safe for most people. It's been used safely in a diluted bath for up to 7 days. It might cause a skin rash in some people.

Pregnancy: Myrrh is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Myrrh can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if myrrh is safe to use on the skin when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if myrrh is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Myrrh might affect blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using myrrh at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with MYRRH

    Myrrh might lower blood sugar levels. Taking myrrh along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with MYRRH

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Taking myrrh might decrease how well warfarin works to slow blood clotting. This could increase the chance of blood clotting.

Dosing

Myrrh extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 600-1200 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 months. It's also been applied to the skin in various products, including mouthwash and bath solution. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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