Myrrh and other essential oils were used to embalm mummies in ancient Egypt because they not only smell beautiful but also slowed deterioration. Scientists have discovered that this is due to the oils' ability to destroy bacteria and other organisms. Furthermore, in Biblical times, myrrh incense was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially those caused by germs. According to one recent study, smoking myrrh and frankincense incense lowered airborne bacterial counts by 68%.

According to a preliminary animal study, myrrh can both directly kill germs and encourage the immune system to produce more white blood cells, which help kill bacteria. Myrrh oil has been shown in laboratory trials to be effective against a variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. Myrrh oil at a modest dilution of 0.1% eliminated all latent Lyme disease bacteria in one test-tube research, which can remain in some persons after antibiotic therapy and cause sickness. More research is needed to discover whether myrrh oil may cure chronic Lyme disease.

Myrrh has long been used to treat mouth infections and irritation due to its antibacterial qualities. The FDA has authorized myrrh oil as a flavor in several natural types of mouthwash and toothpaste. Furthermore, when persons with Behcet's illness, an inflammatory ailment, took a myrrh mouthwash four times a day for a week to treat severe mouth sores, 50% saw total pain alleviation and 19% experienced complete healing of their mouth sores. According to animal studies, mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also assist with gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums surrounding your teeth caused by plaque accumulation.

More research is needed to validate these advantages. Keep in mind that large amounts of myrrh can be hazardous, so never ingest myrrh oral-care products. Furthermore, if you have had oral surgery, it may be better to avoid using myrrh mouthwash while recuperating. Test-tube research discovered that when exposed to myrrh, sutures, particularly silk ones, deteriorate, yet they held up in the concentrations present in mouthwash.

Myrrh has traditionally been used to heal skin wounds and infections. Scientists are now testing these uses. A test-tube investigation of human skin cells discovered that an essential oil mix containing myrrh aided in wound healing. Another research found that bathing with myrrh and other essential oils helped moms repair skin scars following vaginal births. However, because many oils were used in these experiments at the same time, the individual benefits of myrrh for wound healing are unknown. Specific research on myrrh oil is more revealing. In test-tube research of 247 different essential oil combinations, myrrh oil blended with sandalwood oil was shown to be particularly efficient at destroying microorganisms that infect skin wounds.

Furthermore, in one test-tube investigation, myrrh oil alone suppressed the development of five fungi that cause skin disorders such as ringworm and athlete's foot by 43-61%. Human research is required to validate these advantages. Many natural ointments and soaps include myrrh if you wish to try it for general skin health. You may also simply apply diluted myrrh oil to your skin.

Headaches, joint discomfort, and back pain are all typical complaints. Compounds in myrrh oil interact with opioid receptors, signaling to your brain that you are not in pain. Myrrh also inhibits the formation of inflammatory molecules, which cause swelling and discomfort. During six-month research, patients who were prone to headaches received a multi-ingredient supplement containing myrrh's pain-relieving chemicals, and their headache pain was decreased by around two-thirds.

More study is needed to validate these advantages. The supplement tested is not accessible in the United States, and using myrrh oil is not advised. You may purchase homeopathic rubbing oils containing myrrh and other essential oils that are intended to ease the pain when applied directly to aching body regions.

Myrrh might be a potent antioxidant or a molecule that fights oxidative damage. Free radical oxidative damage leads to aging and various illnesses. In a test-tube investigation, myrrh oil outperformed vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, in combating free radicals.

Furthermore, in an animal investigation, myrrh oil protected the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure. It is unknown if inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically — two safe applications of myrrh oil for humans — helps protect your body from oxidative damage.

Parasites may infect you from a variety of sources, including pets, sexual activity, and contaminated food or drink. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted illness, and giardiasis, an intestinal infection, are two frequent parasitic diseases in the United States. In pilot research, women who did not react to normal trichomoniasis therapy were given Mirazid, an oral medication composed of myrrh sap and essential oil. Approximately 85% of them recovered from the illness. An animal investigation also discovered that the same myrrh medication efficiently cured giardiasis.

According to certain human studies, this myrrh medicine may also be useful against the parasite Fasciola gigantica, which can cause liver and bile duct problems. However, other research found no advantage. Mirazid is not commonly used at the moment. Though further study is needed, myrrh and its oil may be useful in the treatment of parasites, particularly in situations of medication resistance. It is not recommended to consume myrrh oil, and long-term safety must be determined.

According to one test-tube research, SPF 15 sunscreen with additional myrrh oil was much more efficient than sunscreen alone in blocking UV radiation. Myrrh oil was not as effective as sunscreen on its own. Myrrh oil may help destroy or reduce the development of cancer cells in the liver, prostate, breast, and skin, according to research conducted in test tubes. However, this has not been tried on humans.

According to animal research, myrrh chemicals may help cure intestinal spasms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Another animal research indicated that myrrh may be useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Myrrh oil may help destroy molds, such as Aspergillus niger, which typically appears as mildew on moist walls, and A. flavus, which causes food deterioration and mold contamination.