What is so special about myrrh?
Michael Green
Published Mar 25, 2026
In Ayurvedic medicine, myrrh tonic is considered rejuvenating. As with frankincense, myrrh is thought to be anti-inflammatory. It also appears to be, to some degree, antibacterial. Today, myrrh is used in many mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes.
Why is myrrh so valuable?
The sacred trees that produce Frankincense and Myrrh are almost impossible to grow outside of the Arabian Peninsula, which meant they were constantly in short supply and high demand. According to a famous Roman historian, the sap made the Arabians the richest people on earth by Jesus's time, more valuable than gold.What does the myrrh symbolize?
The first, referred to in the carol 'We Three Kings', interprets the gifts as symbolising three aspects of Christ's future life: gold representing kingship, frankincense (worship) and myrrh (death and mourning).What are the benefits of myrrh?
Despite a current lack of scientific evidence, many people use myrrh for treating:
- cough.
- asthma.
- indigestion.
- ulcers.
- sore throat.
- congestion.
- hemorrhoids.
- joint pain.