Myrrh (Mo Yao)

Myrrh (commiphora myrrha, balasmodendron myrrha) is a natural gum resin from a few varieties of the Commiphora genus of plants.  Most people have heard of myrrh as one of the three gifts of the Magi in the Bible, but many do not know the uses of myrrh throughout history.

Myrrh has been used in the Middle and Far East regions for a variety of illnesses and has been revered so highly as to be part of ancient religious ceremonies.  Used both topically and internally, myrrh and its oleoresin have been world renowned for healing properties.  Myrrh's properties of protecting skin were so important that the Egyptians used myrrh in their embalming process of mummification.  Myrrh has traditionally been used to reduce pain and swelling^[1], such as in rheumatoid arthritis.  It has also been used to break up masses and hard swellings, such as scar tissue and carbuncles.  Some texts say that myrrh assists in tissue regeneration.  Clinical studies have found out that use of myrrh has increased white blood cell (WBC) count in the body^[2].  Sesquiterpenes found in myrrh resin have also shown antibacterial and antifungal properties^[3].

As an interesting note, researchers have obtained extracts from commiphora myrrha and tested it against a human breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) known to be resistant to anticancer drugs. Their research data indicated that the extract killed all of the cancer cells in laboratory dishes^[4].

Battle Balm^® contains 100% Wild Harvested Myrrh as one of its 20 key ingredients.  It’s been used for treatment of many physical ailments:  arthritis, muscle pain, edema. It’s been clinically tested to improve leukocyte count.  Myrrh also has antimicrobial properties.  This herbal ingredient is part of the synergistic blend to help Battle Balm^® knock out the competition!

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References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22178177 (Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of individual and combined...)
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=19995243 (Effect of myrrh (Commiphora molmol) on leukocyte levels before...)
3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10865454 (Local anaesthetic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of sesquiterpenes from myrrh.)
4. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/12/011205070038.htm (American Chemical Society (2001, December 5). "Gift Of The Magi" Bears Anti-Cancer Agents, Researchers Suggest. ScienceDaily. Retrieved)