Olfactory Series #3 Myrrh::National Fragrance Week | Smell Good Spa™

It's just the first week of June for many, however, for those creative beings that pay respect to the olfaction, daily, this is the week when all things that smell good are celebrated.  Happy National Fragrance Week!

National Fragrance Week is about celebrating cologne, perfume and all things good-smelling. That includes scented candles, potpourri, soaps and lotions, flowers, and even food.

To celebrate National Fragrance Week 2014, I'll highlight seven scents that are beneficial for healthy living, in this Olfactory Series.

Myrrh

Myrrh oil is extracted from the gum/resin of the Commiphora Myrrha tree, native to Egypt (the Myrrha species from Somalia is said to have more powerful healing properties).  The properties that Myrrh oil possess are so dynamic, it's no wonder our ancestors also used it in their healthy living regimen. The wise Ancients maintained their healthy skin, prevented skin aging, and soothed chapped or cracked skin with Myrrh oil.  Did you know that Myrrh is recorded in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest Egyptian medical texts on record?  The Ebers Papyrus dates back to about 1550 BC and contains over 700 remedies for almost everything, including cancer, asthma and embalming. Not only is Myrrh a reputable oil in the field of aromatherapy, it has a wealth of medical uses for healthy living, too. 

Healthy Living Benefits:

• Dental Health and Hair Loss and Wounds - Myrrh oil is an astringent, causing the contraction of body tissues. Adding a few drops to a mouth rinse or DIY toothpaste (how about trying this one?) can strengthen the hold of gums on teeth. Healthy gums are essential to heart health. Additionally, adding a few drops of Myrrh oil to a hair and scalp oil, or, infusing an oil using Myrrh resin, and applying it to the scalp, can strengthen the scalp's grip on hair roots.  Keeping a balm/oil containing Myrrh oil, in your medicine cabinet, can come in handy. The astringent properties in Myrrh oil can prevent severe blood loss when wounded (also helps wounds heal quicker). 
• Infections and Bad Breath - Myrrh oil is an antiseptic, a substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Myrrh oil is thought to prevent small cuts from becoming infected.  Also, adding a few drops to warm water, for a mouth rinse, fights bacteria that causes sour-smelling breath; and, aid in the healing of mouth sores or ulcers.  
• Skincare - When infused in skincare products, Myrrh oil is thought to reduce the appearances of wrinkles, fade dark spots and scars. 
• Aromatherapy - Inhaling Myrrh oil can prevent colds (activates the Immune System), cough, insomnia, sore throat, and works as a calming agent (sedative).  For centuries, (in harmony with Frankincense) Myrrh's aromatic notes has significantly set a peaceful atmosphere to spiritual settings. Apply a few drops to a cloth or tissue, or, use an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer. 

This isn't even the tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to do additional research about Myrrh oil, to completely understand all the benefits it can yield to your healthy living regimen. 

Has the scent of Myrrh benefited you in any of the above situations, or, one that isn't mentioned?  Share with us in the Comments.

Aromatically,

Consult a physician or certified aromatherapist before introducing essential oils into your healthy living regimen.

Source(s):

Organic Facts. "Health Benefits of Myrrh Essential Oil" OrganicFacts.net. 27 April 2008. Web. 3 June 2014 
Martin, Nan, LSHC, CRTS. "The Benefits of Myrrh Date Back to the Ancient Egyptians" ExperienceEssentialOils.com. 19 April 2014. Web. 3 June 2014 

Wong, Cathy, ND. "Myrrh Essential Oil - Health Benefits" Alternative Medicine. About.com. 16 May 2014. Web. 3 June 2014