Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Thoroughly Modern Mouthwash

Family: Burseraceae; (includes Balm of Gilead, Bdellium)

Genus and Species: Commiphora Abyssinica or C. Myrrha

Also known as: Balsamodendron

Parts used: The oleo-gum-resin from the stem

The Bible tells us that when Joseph’s jealous brothers decided to dispose of him, they plotted and schemed. How could they get rid of this unwanted rival for their father’s affection without actually murdering him? The answer soon appeared on the horizon. “And looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing gum, balm, and myrrh on their way to carry it down to Egypt” (Genesis 37:25). They sold Ioseph to the lshmaelites.

This is just the first of a dozen biblical references to the hardened, tear-shaped clots of clear or reddish brown aromatic resin that exude from incisions in the bark of a small Middle Eastern tree.

First used by the ancient Egyptians in embalming mixtures, myrrh became the all-purpose biblical aromatic for perfumes, funerals, and insect repellents. Today it may help to repel tooth decay and gum disease.

Mythological Origins

The Greeks traced myrrh’s teardrop shape to Myrrha, daughter of the Syrian king Thesis. Myrrha refused to worship Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Angered by this blasphemy, Aphrodite tricked her into committing incest with her father. When Thesis realized what he had done, he threatened to kill his daughter. To save her, the gods transformed her into a myrrh tree, whose teardrop resin recalls the girl’s sorrow.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians used the herb to treat wounds and prescribed it internally as a digestive aid and menstruation promoter.

Soothes Sore Gums

As the centuries passed, myrrh became valued primarily as an oral treatment for bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and sore throat. Medieval German abbess/herbalist Hildegard of Bingen prescribed a mixture of powdered myrrh and aloe for dental problems. Later herbalists also used it as an expectorant for colds and chest congestion.

America’s 19th-century Eclectics considered myrrh an external antiseptic for treatment of “indolent sores and gangrenous ulcers.” They prescribed internal use for colds, laryngitis, asthma, bronchitis, indigestion, gonorrhea, sore throat. dental cavities, and bad breath. The Eclectics also warned that large amounts can have violent laxative action and cause sweating, nausea, vomiting, and accelerated heartbeat.

Contemporary herbalists recommend adding powdered myrrh to well-washed wounds as an antiseptic and consider a gargle made from the herb effective against sore throat, colds, sore teeth and gums, coughs, asthma, and chest congestion.

Myrrh continues to be used as it has been for 1,000 years, for oral hygiene.

Mouthwash - Myrrh contains tannins, which have an astringent, drawing effect on tissues. Chinese researchers have identified substances in the herb that fight bacteria. And Indian scientists have discovered that the herb has anti-inflammatory action. All of these factors make it useful as a mouthwash Myrrh tastes bitter but refreshing and may help relieve the inflammation and destroy the bacteria involved in gingivitis, the early form of gum disease. The herb is an ingredient in Odara mouthwash.

Toothpaste - Myrrh is a common ingredient in European toothpastes-it’s included to help fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Some natural food stores in America carry one brand, Merfluan.

Intriguing Posslblltty - Myrrh may help prevent heart disease Preliminary Indian studies suggest it reduces cholesterol. The herb also may help prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attack.

Rx for Myrrh

For a mouthwash, steep 1 teaspoon of powdered herb and 1I teaspoon of boric acid in 1 pint of boiling water. Let stand 30 minutes and strain. Use cool.

For an infusion that might help prevent heart disease, use 1 teaspoon of powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day. Myrrh tastes bitter and unpleasant Add sugar, honey, and lemon, or mix it into an herbal beverage blend to improve flavor.

In a tincture, take ¼ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Myrrh should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Myrrh has not been shown to stimulate uterine contractions, but its traditional use as a menstruation promoter should serve as a red flag to pregnant women.

Large amounts may have violent laxative action and could cause the other symptoms the Eclectics described-sweating, nausea, vomiting, and accelerated heartbeat.

Myrrh is included in the Food and Drug Administration’s list of herbs generally regarded as safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, myrrh is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.

Myrrh should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If myrrh causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

If gum bleeding or tooth or gum pain persists longer than two weeks, consult a dentist.

Healing Drops from Trees

Myrrh is a large shrub or small tree that grows in the Middle East and Ethiopia and Somalia. A pale yellow oil drips from cuts in its dull gray bark and hardens to form teardrop-shaped nuggets of myrrh, which are powdered for use as a Healing herb.