Myrrh (commiphora myrrha)

Description
Another of the famous biblical shrubs and a native of North Africa, Asia and Somalia. Its is shrubby small tree with wonderfully aromantic leaves and white flowers.
Characteristics
A top note spicy oil with campherous and woody undertones with a real herbaceous scent about it.
Oils to Blend with
Myrrh blends well with Frankincense (of course!), Benzoin, Clove, Galbanum, Lavender, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

Latin Name
Commiphora myrhha

Plant Family
Burseraceae

Extraction Method
As with frankincense, the oil is extracted by distillation of the resin which is obtained by making incisions in the bark.  The oil is them hydrodistilled from the gum.  The picture is the hydrodistillation still at Pates Farm, Norfolk.

Country of Origin
Middle East

Chemical Constituents
Myrrholic (Acid), Cinnamic, Cuminic (Aldehydes), Eugenol (Phenol), Cadinene (Sesquiterpene), Pinene, Dipentene, Heerabolene, Limonene, (Terpenes).

Precautions
As with all essential oils we recommend you do not use essential oils during pregnancy as this is an emmenagogue it is 100% to be avoided in pregnancy.