Ayurvedic Properties
- Tissues
- All
- Systems
- Circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, reproductive, respiratory
Overview
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is a resin with bitter, astringent, pungent, and sweet tastes, heating virya, and pungent vipaka (KV- P+ in excess). It is one of the most famous and ancient substances used for preventing decay, reversing the aging process, and rejuvenating body and mind. It works on all tissue-elements and acts through the circulatory, reproductive, nervous, lymphatic, and respiratory systems.
Myrrh is closely related to the guggul of Ayurvedic medicine, an important Ayurvedic rasayana. Like guggul, myrrh is a rejuvenative for Vata and Kapha, but it works more specifically on the blood and the female reproductive system, while guggul possesses a stronger action on the nerves. Myrrh helps dispel old and stagnant blood from the uterus and aids in new tissue growth. It catalyzes the healing of sores and wounds while stopping pain. It also helps dispel repressed emotions, as its purifying action extends to the subtle body.
Myrrh possesses true tonic, stimulant, and rejuvenative powers along with strong detoxifying effects. Its key actions include alterative, emmenagogue, astringent, expectorant, antispasmodic, rejuvenative, analgesic, and antiseptic. It is indicated for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, cough, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatism, traumatic injuries, ulcerated surfaces, anemia, and pyorrhea. Precautions: Avoid in high Pitta. Preparations: Infusion, powder (250 mg to 1 g), pill, paste.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
Therapeutic Actions
- Alterative
- analgesic
- antiseptic
- antispas-modic
- emmenagogue
- expectorant
- stimulant
- rejuvenative The Ayurveda Encyclopedia 80Uses: Amenorrhea
- anemia
- arthritis
- asthma
- bronchitis
- cough
- dysmenorrhea
- menopause
- rheuma-tism
- traumatic injuries
- ulcerated surfaces
- as an infusion with rose petals (50 parts) used as a mouthwash
- mouth inflammations
- as a gargle for spongygums
- used in tooth powder
- indigestion
- wastingdiseases
- prevents loss of hair
- menstrual disorders
- and chlorosis problems of young girls.
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (taste) | Bitter, astringent, pungent, sweet |
| Vīrya (energy) | Cooling |
| Vipāka (post-digestive) | Pungent |
| Guṇa (quality) | Heavy, dry |
| Doṣa effect | Dos.aHIIHFW.93ï |
| Dhātu (tissue) | All tissues |
| Srotas (channel) | Circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, reproductive, respiratory |
Preparation & Usage
Forms: Infusion, powder, pill, paste
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Precautions & Contraindications
- Can create excess Pitta
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
How to Use Myrrh by Condition
Explore how Myrrh is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.