These are compiled notes from reading I did on myrrh...
Besides being the most mentioned oil in the Bible, 156 times, myrrh is the first oil mentioned in the Bible, in Genesis 37:25, and the last one mentioned, in Revelation 18:13. It was also the first oil given to Jesus as a young child by the Magi in Matthew 2:11, and the last oil offered to Jesus at Golgatha when He was crucified, Mark 15:23.
In Genesis 37:25, Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites (incense traders) who were on their way to Egypt carrying “balm and myrrh.” Years later, when his brothers travelled to Egypt during the time of famine to buy food, balm and myrrh were some of the gifts they brought with them for the man in charge (Joseph), who they didn’t recognize as their brother (Genesis 43:11)--the same two oils that had accompanied Joseph when he was carried into slavery.
Myrrh was used in purification and beautification rites, was in the formula for the Holy Anointing Oil, and in burial spices. Queen Esther was bathed in oil of myrrh for six months, and with other aloes and perfumes for another six months before her presentation to the king. (Esther 2:12)
A similar custom is described in the Song of Solomon, revealing another bridal tradition concerning the use of myrrh. In the Song of Solomon 1:13, the bride responds to the king and says, “A bundle of myrrh is my well beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.” This reflects the custom of laying a bundle of myrrh on one’s chest while sleeping as a beauty treatment in preparation for a wedding.
The ancients used to infuse myrrh into wine to give it a more agreeable fragrance and flavor, and It was used to sweeten the smell and taste of various foods..
In Matthew 2:11, when the wise men brought myrrh as one of the gifts for Jesus, in those days Joseph and Mary would have known exactly what to do with this oil and how valuable it was. The wise men would not have had to explain its use or value because it was common knowledge among the people of those times.
Myrrh is found where the “garden of Eden” was—the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers--which was part of Babylonia in the time of Moses. Myrrh was probably not only the most mentioned in the Bible, but probably the most widely used aromatic oil in ancient times for medicines, incense and perfumes. Myrrh was used extensively in embalming, and because of its ability to preserve the flesh, myrrh is said to help preserve a youthful complexion. Myrrh was applied to battle wounds to promote healing and reduce inflammation. A team of chemists and pharmacologists at the University of Florence in Italy report that two compounds of myrrh do indeed have pain-relieving properties.
The Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed myrrh for sores, and the Romans used it to treat worm infestations, coughs, and certain infections. According to the New Testament, Jesus was offered wine with myrrh before his crucifixion. Piero Dolara, a researcher, says that more effective painkillers such as morphine, developed in the nineteenth century, replaced myrrh as an analgesic.
In aromatherapy, myrrh is effective as a sedative, anti-depressant, and as a promoter of spiritual feelings. It is often used to boost a positive mood and relieve stress. Many enjoy the benefits of using myrrh as incense for meditation.
Studies show that myrrh may be able to help protect the body against free radical damage and help prevent cancer. Myrrh essential oil mixed with water has long been used by herbalists as a natural mouthwash and gargle in the treatment of mouth sores, infections and sore throats. Myrrh essential oil may also be effective against several common parasites and appears to act as a natural mosquito pesticide that kills mosquito larvae.
Myrrh has a long list of therapeutic properties including being anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and tonic. Historically myrrh was used as incense in religious services, in embalming, as a cure for cancer, leprosy and syphilis. Myrrh mixed with coriander and honey was used to treat herpes. Myrrh is useful for bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers, viral hepatitis, asthma, athlete’s foot, candida, catarrh (mucus), coughs, eczema, digestion, flatulence, fungal infection, gingivitis, gum infection, hemorrhoids, prostate gland, ringworm, sore throats, skin conditions, wounds, wrinkles, and promotes emotional and spiritual awareness and uplifting. This is why myrrh was one of the most desired and expensive items in the ancient world.
Myrrh is what is known as a fixing oil, or servant oil, which is used by apothecaries to enhance the fragrance of other oils and make them last longer. Biblical people knew this and used myrrh in their ointments. Myrrh was such a universally common ingredient of the healing ointments at the time of Christ that the Greek word for “ointment” (muron) and the Greek word for “myrrh” (muron) were the same.
Myrrh has a very warm, earthy, woody and balsamic aroma that people usually like. To harvest myrrh, the bark of the tree is cut so the gum resin bleeds out. The sap dries into yellow or reddish-brown lumps in the shape of tears, from which the oil is distilled.
