Myrrh incense is actually dried myrrh sap – the Gift given by Caspar, a king from Tarsus – present day Southern Turkey. At the time of Chist, the world’s finest Myrrh came from Southern Arabia and it is generally thought that this was the origins of Caspar’s gift. The Myrrh incense supplied with the Three Kings Gifts displays is the finest availale from Southern Arabia – the very same region as the original gifts given by Caspar – in an effort to capture, as best as possible, the spirit of the actual gifts given 2000 years ago on that first Christmas. Myrrh incense comes from the Cammiphora tree and is harvested by cutting slits in the bark of the tree from which Myrrh resin hardens into dark red crystals. In ancient times, Myrrh was among the most valuable substances known and, at the time of the birth of Christ, it was worth seven times its weight in gold. Myrrh sap / myrrh incense / myrrh resin, known by all names, can be used as an incense or it can be ground into a powder and mixed with oils to make a balm or processed into myrrh oil. In ancient times, myrrh was used in the mummification of the Pharoahs in Ancient Egypt and to annoint kings.

So strong are the antimicrobial effects of myrrh that the ancient Egyptians relied on this plant for the process of embalming and mummification. Myrrh's bitter-tasting sap oozes in tearlike drops when the tree's bark is cut.

Uses of Myrrh

Myrrh stimulates circulation to mucosal tissues, especially in the bronchial tract, throat, tonsils, and gums. It is an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and antimicrobial, making it ideal for painful or swollen tissues. It is useful for bleeding gums, gingivitis, tonsillitis, sore throat (including strep throat), and bronchitis. The increased blood supply helps fight infection and speed healing when you have a cold, congestion, or infection of the throat or mouth. Myrrh is also valued as an expectorant, which means it promotes the expulsion of mucus in cases of bronchitis and lung congestion. Myrrh is best for chronic conditions with pale and swollen tissues, rather than for acute, inflamed, red, and dry tissues, because it contains tannins and resins, which have an astringent effect on tissues.

Myrrh also may promote menstrual flow and is recommended when menstruation is accompanied by a heavy sensation in the pelvis. In China, myrrh is considered a "blood mover." It may alleviate menstrual cramps.

Keep reading to learn about warnings and preparations for myrrh, including directions for making a myrrh gargle.