Family Name: Burseraceae
Botanical Name(s): Commiphora Myrrha
Popular Name(s): Commiphora Molmol, Mo Yoa, Balsamodendron and
Bola.
Parts Used: The gum resin and oil are used.
Habitat: Indigenous to Northeast Africa.
Description: Myrrh is an aromatic spiny shrub with yellow-red
flowers, followed by pointed and ellipsoid fruits. The bushes yielding
are 9 feet in height with knotted branches, and branchlets that stand
out at right angles, ending in a sharp spine. The leaves are scanty,
small, oval and unequal.
Uses: Myrrh is used in tincture form internally for stomach
complaints and chest problems, such as bronchial infection as well as
menstrual problems. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for its
rejuvenating properties. It also has a historic place in Chinese
medicine. It is used to treat infected wounds; bronchial complaints,
sinusitis and minor skin inflammations as well as inflammation of the
throat, gums and mouth, including mouth ulcers, gingivitis and
stomatitis.
