After my recent journey through the sacred temples of Egypt, I made a promise to honour the ancient wisdom I encountered by spotlighting one essential oil each month. This month, I begin with one of the most sacred and often overlooked oils in the aromatherapeutic world: Myrrh – Commiphora myrrha.
More Than a Christmas Story
For many, Myrrh is synonymous with the nativity story, remembered as one of the three gifts brought by the Kings. But this resinous, earthy, amber-toned oil has a story that stretches far beyond Bethlehem. In ancient traditions especially Egyptian and early Judeo-Christian practices Myrrh held deep ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual significance.
Myrrh in Ancient Egypt: Sacred Medicine & Ritual
Evidence from ancient Egyptian medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1500 BCE), lists over 300 medical prescriptions most of which begin with Myrrh and honey. This reveals just how revered Myrrh was, not just as incense but as core medicine. It was used for:
- Funeral rites and embalming practices
- Skin healing and wound care
- Perfuming the body and temples
- Sacred offerings to deities
You can almost still smell the aroma when you are at the temples.
It was also mentioned in myths such as the death and resurrection of Osiris, whose body was anointed with sacred oils including Myrrh by Isis and Nephthys.
Hathor & Myrrh: Sacred Fragrance
At the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, Myrrh was a key ingredient in sacred perfumes and incense. Archaeological evidence shows that Myrrh featured prominently in ti‑Sps—a ritual paste crafted over months as an offering to Hathor underscoring her title as “Lady of Fragrance.” As the goddess of joy, beauty, sensuality, and ritual. Hathor was intimately linked to the use of aroma for healing, celebration, and divine connection.
The Queen to Frankincense’s King
While Frankincense often takes centre stage as the “king” of sacred oils, Myrrh can be viewed as the Queen—a feminine, grounding force. Rich in mystery, deeply spiritual, and emotionally nurturing, Myrrh supports not just the body but the soul.
If we look at Myrhh in this way it connects the feminine and masculine beautifully together.
Myrrh in Christianity and Modern Churches
Myrrh has been used for millennia in Christian religious practices, symbolising purification, consecration, and preparation for death and rebirth. It was:
- Used to anoint priests and kings
- Mixed into holy oils for sacramental rites
- Part of embalming practices for Jesus, referenced in John 19:39, where Myrrh was used to prepare His body for burial
Today, Myrrh remains present in certain Christian liturgies, particularly in the Orthodox and Catholic traditions, used in chrism oils during baptisms, confirmations, marriage and ordinations. Its inclusion represents spiritual readiness, divine connection, and sanctification.
Therapeutic Properties of Myrrh (Backed by Science)
Modern science has begun to validate what ancient cultures intuitively knew:
- Antimicrobial & antiseptic: Ideal for skin infections, wounds, and oral hygiene
- Pain relief: Studies show Myrrh contains compounds that act on opioid receptors, making it a potent analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory: Useful in treating ulcers, gum disease, and inflammatory skin conditions
- Aging support: High in antioxidants, Myrrh is excellent for mature skin and cell regeneration
In aromatherapy, Myrrh is also used for:
- Childbirth support (only at full term – contraindicated in pregnancy)
- Womb cleansing
- Mouth ulcers and oral care
- Blisters, cuts, bruises, and insect bites
- Sunburn recovery (when blended appropriately)
- Aphrodisiac blends (linked to its sensual, warm scent)
Emotional and Spiritual Healing
On a holistic level, Myrrh is revered for its ability to support:
- Grief and heartbreak
- Feelings of loss, isolation, and emotional wounding
- Grounding and spiritual reconnection
It helps us “mother” ourselves nurturing unshed tears, emotional wounds, and places within us that feel forgotten or unloved.
Fragrance Profile
In perfumery, Myrrh is used as a base note and fixative offering a deep, resinous anchor to lighter, more volatile oils. It is beautiful on its own and It also pairs well with Rose, Frankincense, Patchouli, and citrus oils.
A Sacred Invitation
As a holistic therapist, I use Myrrh regularly in facial oils, birthing support blends, and emotional healing sessions. It is truly an “everything oil” a sacred helper for skin, spirit, and soul.
Let us place Myrrh at the centre again, as she once was. She is not just a forgotten gift she is a living legacy of feminine wisdom, spiritual connection, and deep healing.
Always use pure, sustainable and organic essential oils where possible. I recommended Neals Yard Remedies, there is a link on the homepage under my NYRSHOP tab.
