Myrrh resin is the aromatic gum that exudes from the stems and branches of more than 150 species in the Commiphora genus of the Burseraceae family (e.g., Commiphora myrrha, Commiphora molmol, Commiphora gileadensis). These rare species today are distributed across Eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, Yemen, and Somalia.
Ancient Egyptian papyrus writings from 2000 BC mention using myrrh to embalm the dead. Burning myrrh was a popular method to prevent fleas and odors.
Myrrh trees were widely used in ancient Roman times for their aromatic resin for various purposes, including perfumes, incense, and medicines. The Roman Empire had trade routes that brought myrrh from countries in the eastern Mediterranean, such as Ethiopia and Arabia, to Rome, where it was highly valued and used in various cultural and religious ceremonies. Myrrh was also used in embalming, as the resin was believed to have antiseptic and preserving properties.
The trade of myrrh in ancient times was very valuable and was considered one of the most important and valuable trade goods. The demand for myrrh was high in ancient cultures, especially in Egypt and the Roman Empire. The trade of myrrh was controlled by a few powerful kingdoms and empires, such as the Kingdom of Saba in ancient Yemen, which made it a valuable and lucrative trade item. The long-distance trade of myrrh was facilitated by the incense and spice trade routes, such as the Incense Road, that linked the producers of myrrh in the eastern Mediterranean to the markets in Egypt and the Roman Empire. Myrrh was one of the most sought-after and valuable commodities in ancient times.
C. gileadensis is believed to be the first plant that the Ethiopian Queen of Sheba brought to Israel. It was highly prized. According to Pliny’s Historia Naturalis, Rome made large profits from myrrh’s sale and trade from plantations in and around Jericho. When the Romans attacked the Jews of Jerusalem, the latter attempted (unsuccessfully) to destroy the myrrh resin plantations. Over time, the economic value of myrrh decreased as alternatives arose.
Myrrh resin yielding plant was used to treat various disorders: headaches, stomach ailments, early-stage cataracts, impaired vision and hearing, respiratory ailments, and gynecological ailments. Jews and Romans mixed the sap with old wine or water to make a tonic believed to restore strength and maintain health.
Written references to myrrh as a perfume and herbal medicine date back to Herodotus in the fifth century. Myrrh acts on the mucosa and has antiseptic properties, so Greek and Roman soldiers used it to treat wounds and sores. In addition to its use as a general tonic and disinfectant, myrrh was also used to treat indigestion, syphilis, and gonorrhea. It was used as an expectorant to treat respiratory ailments. Because it was believed to promote menstrual flow, it was also used as an abortifacient.
Myrrh resin is still used today for various purposes, although its use has declined since ancient times. In modern times, myrrh is mostly used in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetic products for its distinctive, warm, and slightly bitter aroma. It is also used in some traditional medicines and is believed to have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.
In addition, myrrh resin is used in some religious and spiritual practices, particularly in Christianity, where it is one of the gifts brought by the three wise men to the baby Jesus and is used in some liturgical practices. In aromatherapy, myrrh is used to help relieve stress and promote emotional balance and well-being. Despite declining use, myrrh resin remains an important and valuable product in some cultures and industries.
Read more on plants from the Bible:
Holy Herbs: Modern Connections to Ancient Plants