– NOT FOR PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING –

BEST FOR OILY, MATURE & SENSITIVE SKINchapped skin, eczema, dermatitis

INGREDIENT FEATURES

antibacterial

antidepressant

anti-fungal

anti-infectious

anti-inflammatory

antimicrobial

antioxidant

anti-parasitic

antiseptic

antispasmodic

antiviral

astringent

balsamic

calmative

circulatory stimulant

digestive stimulant

revitalizing

sedative

tonic

wound-healing

USER BENEFITS

calms the nervous system

diminishes swelling

encourages cell regeneration

enlivens

firms and contracts exposed tissue

helps heal burns and wounds

improves digestion

increases immunity

instills a deep sense of calm and tranquility

minimizes stretch marks

nourishes the skin

neutralizes fungus

neutralizes microbes

prevents moisture loss

promotes sleep

promotes the healing of tissues

protects cells against oxidative damage

reduces redness

reduces scarring

relieves stress

settles digestion

soothes

strengthens

tones and restores venous circulation

USES

arthritis

athlete’s foot

bruises

chapped skin

cracked skin

dandruff

dermatitis

dry hair

hyper-sensitivity

impatience

indigestion

inflammation

insomnia

insatiability

mature skin

oily skin

rejuvenation

scalp dermatitis

scars

sensitive skin

skin infections:

viral

bacterial

fungal

slow-healing wounds

varicose veins

warts

weeping eczema

wrinkles

active

fragrance

ABOUT THE PLANT

Myrrh isn’t very handsome, but it makes up for its lackluster looks with the precious gum it exudes. Commophora myrra is a shrub or small scrubby tree growing up to 10m (33ft) high, with knotted branches, trifolate aromatic leaves, and produces small white flowers. Its trunk oozes a natural oleoresin when pierced, and the pale yellow liquid hardens into reddish-brown droplets known as Myrrh. Only a certain amount of the resin can be taken from each tree to ensure their continued ecological health. Also known as gum myrrh and common myrrh, the Commiphora species are native to north-east Africa and south-west Asia, especially the Red Sea region (Somalia, Yemen and Ethiopia).

ABOUT THE OIL

Essential oil of Myrrh is a pale yellow to amber oily, but not very viscous liquid obtained by steam distillation of crude myrrh, an oleo-gum-resin. This resin oozes out of the tree as a thick pale-yellow liquid, and turns reddish-brown as it dries and hardens.

Myrrh essential oil is highly prized for both its healing and spiritual abilities primarily because it has one of the highest sesquiterpene contents of any essential oil. Sesquiterpenes are compounds that directly affect the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala.

To extract all its important components supercritical CO2 distillation (as opposed to steam distillation) is even more effective. This is also true of Frankincense.

OF INTEREST

The name Myrrh is derived from the Arabic and Hebrew word mur, which means bitter. It is one of the oldest known aromatic substances; mentioned as far back as 4000 years. Myrrh's therapeutic properties are frequently mentioned in the old and new testaments, the Koran, and in Greek and Roman texts. As described by the new testament, Myrrh resin was one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the baby Jesus (the others being gold and Frankincense).

An important trade item for more than a thousand years, Myrrh was a primary ingredient in ancient cosmetics and incences. Used by the ancient Egyptians in incense used for religious ceremonies and fumigations, it was also an ingredient of the famous Egyptian perfume 'kyphi', and was an important ingredient in embalming. Egyptian women used Myrrh in their facial preparations (it has a slightly cooling effect on the skin, and so would be especially useful in a hot dry climate) as Myrrh was reputed to reduce wrinkles and preserve a youthful complexion (apparently even after death).

Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene

Furanodiene

Lindestrene

β-Elemene

Germacrene B

Germacrene D

δ-Elemene

2-Methoxyfuranodiene

Isofuranogermacrene (curzerene)

Τ-Cadinol

β-Caryophyllene

β-Bourbonene

γ-Cadinene

Furanoeudesma-1,4-diene

γ-Elemene

tranquil solitude | transcendent peace

KEY WORD: DEVOTION

MAIN ELEMENT: EARTH (& METAL)

CHAKRA: BASE

for one who is prone to:

over-thinking

worry

mental distraction

encourages:

fortitude

courage

peace

calm

sympathy

acceptance

mastery

facilitates spiritual opening

fortifies the spirit

helps us realize:

the need to let go

to forgive

to move forward

inspires:

prayer

meditation

revitalizes the spirit

ENERGETICS

TCM:

warming

drying

recommended for conditions associated with dampness

CHAKRA: 1st (Base), 2nd (Navel), 5th (Throat) and 7th (Crown)

As an ancient 'esoteric' magical herb, Myrrh is said to bridge Heaven and Earth, strengthening the connection between all of the chakras.

ELEMANT: EARTH (& METAL)

SUBTLE AROMATHERAPY

Especially valuable for people who feel emotionally or spiritually stuck and want to move forward in their lives, it allows manifestation of dreams into the earthly realm. Its extraction from the solitary tree in the desert represents strength in harsh conditions and as a 'Funeral' herb, Myrrh is said to ease grief and heal emotional wounds, bringing peace and calm.

Used neat, as a single essence, or in combination with Sandalwood and Frankincense, Myrrh can anoint the 'third eye' as a meditation or yoga aid. Apply to the temples or center of the forehead for spiritual opening.

PERFUMERY

Heavy-floral types

Heavy-Oriental type

Woody-balsamic bases

AROMA NOTES

SUPERCRITICAL CO2 DISTILLATION:

warm, sweet floral top note

a slightly medicinal and herbaceous middle note

slightly spicy, earthy undertones

STEAM DISTILLATION:

resinous

balsamic

rich

slightly camphoraceous

rich

warm-spicy

sweet- balsamic

slightly camphoraceous medicinal top note

slightly musty, earthy, resinous undertones

with a delightful lift

sweetness increases to a deep, warm-spicy and aromatic dryout which is quite unique and difficult to duplicate

not a good tenacity

Blends well with: forest notes, mints, moss notes, spices, Benzoin, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Juniper, Mandarin, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Pine, Thyme

Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay

Essential Oil Safety, Second edition by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young

Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin by Steffen Arctander

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition by Salvatore Battaglia

The Fragrant Heavens, the Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism