Our organic myrrh essential oil comes from the dried sap from Commiphora myrrha, a thorny tree native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia. Myrrh has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian and Persian medicine, particularly for its potent antimicrobial benefits. Ancient Egyptians used myrrh to embalm mummies, as the oil helped to slow decay by killing bacteria and other microbes. In Biblical times, myrrh incense — often in combination with frankincense — was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria. One study found that burning myrrh and frankincense incense reduced airborne bacterial counts by 68%. Preliminary animal research suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells. In test tube studies, myrrh essential oil has strong effects against several infectious bacteria, including some drug-resistant ones. Another test tube study found that myrrh essential oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals.

Together, frankincense and myrrh form a powerful rejuvenating pair that supports cellular health, promotes wound healing, soothes redness, reduces blemishes and acne, and helps fade scar and stretch marks. They offer potent astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidant benefits. They contribute to why our Wise Men Elixir Vitae Scar Massage Treatment reduces scar fibrotic tissue and hyperpigmentation, and why users of the Wise Men Microbiome Repair Therapeutic Body Oil find that fungal skin infections reconcile, and skin is deeply revitalized.