Myrrh

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Myrrh, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Myrrh has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects, but studies are very limited.

Myrrh is an extract of a tree gum resin that has long been used as a fragrance and as an herbal medicine. Animal studies suggest it may reduce inflammation and fevers or protect against substances that are hard on the digestive system. It may also have antioxidant properties and stimulate the thyroid gland. Other experiments suggest it may slow cancer growth in mice or isolated cancer cells, but it is unknown if such effects can occur in humans.

Only a few small studies have been conducted in humans, some of which were herbal preparations that included other compounds. Additional studies are needed to determine what utility myrrh may have for various conditions.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • To treat asthma
    Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation.
  • To treat coughs
    No scientific evidence supports this use.
  • To treat gastrointestinal disorders and indigestion
    Animal studies suggest myrrh extracts may protect against damage to the stomach lining.
  • To reduce inflammation
    Experiments in animals suggest that myrrh might reduce inflammation.

What are the side effects?

  • High doses of myrrh can affect heart rate.
  • Topical myrrh products can cause skin redness, swelling, and itching.

Case reports

Acute abdominal pain: In a pregnant woman who used large amounts of myrrh herbs. Symptoms ended after myrrh was discontinued.

Skin reaction after oral myrrh: Diagnosed by patch test, after taking a traditional Chinese medicine formula.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

  • You are taking warfarin: Myrrh may reduce the therapeutic effects of warfarin.
  • You have sensitive skin: Topical myrrh products can cause irritation.