Kill Harmful Bacteria

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.