Myrrh

MYRRH
** Even though we have it in the form of beads, Myrrh is not a gemstone. It is the resinous sap from a desert tree called the dindin. The sap forms in small beads and has a very sharp, strong smell. (Our beads have a much more mild smell, because they were made from the by-product of the sap after the strong oils were removed.)** Myrrh has been used since ancient times in perfumes, incense, and embalming. The ancient Egyptians used Myrrh to preserve mummies. Today, it is used in any application that warrants fragrance, such as candles, soaps, etc. It is also found in several commercial mouthwashes.** While it is usually known for its smell, Myrrh can also be used as a flavoring for candy and baked goods. (Our Myrrh beads smell like cinnamon-vanilla cookie dough, and my 9-month-old baby loves to chew on his own strand!)** Myrrh has a large number of healing uses. It is an astringent and antiseptic, and can be used to cure acne, boils, and other inflammations of the skin. It is also widely used to help heal infections of the mouth, such as gingivitis, ulcers, and bad breath. It is highly useful in applications of the throat, and is thought to help heal pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and sore throat. It can be used as an expectorant (cough syrup).** Myrrh makes a helpful childbirth aid, making contractions more efficient, and relieving pain.** The word "myrrh" comes from the Arabic murr, meaning "bitter."** The ancients found this resin to be so valuable, the Bible tells of it being given as a gift, along with Frankincense (another aromatic resin) and Gold to the baby Jesus.** Modern science has recently discovered that Myrrh may be a cure for cancer! Laboratory studies show that a compound in Myrrh was effective in killing breast cancer cells. More research on this is currently in the works.