Benefits, Risk, and Side Effects

Myrrh is a resin from the bark of some Commiphora trees, including Commiphora myrrha, a medicinal tree native to the Arabian peninsula and northeastern Africa. Myrrh has significant therapeutic properties. Its use in treating wounds and ailments like joint inflammation, parasitic infections, and digestive diseases dates back to ancient Egypt.

Limited research suggests that myrrh may have anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, and cholesterol and blood sugar-lowering properties. Human studies on the use of myrrh as a dietary supplement are limited.

In traditional medicine systems, health practitioners use myrrh to treat inflammatory disorders and pain. Studies show that myrrh contains several anti-inflammatory and cellular-protective compounds that may benefit people with inflammatory disorders.

In a study that included 96 people with inactive ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), participants were administered a daily treatment with an herbal preparation that contained 1,200 milligrams of myrrh, 840 milligrams of chamomile extract, and 600 milligrams of coffee charcoal for 12 months. The treatment was as effective as the medication mesalazine in maintaining UC remission.

Though this study used a product containing myrrh combined with other ingredients, its findings suggest that myrrh may offer anti-inflammatory effects that benefit people with IBD by preventing flare-ups.

Another study found that treatment with a myrrh extract called MyrLiq in doses of 200 milligrams and 400 milligrams daily for 20 days alleviated pain in females and males, respectively.

Some animal research suggests that myrrh may reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis when combined with other anti-inflammatory ingredients, like Chinese peony extract. Though these findings are promising, human research on the anti-inflammatory effects of myrrh—especially when used on its own—is limited. More high-quality studies are needed to recommend myrrh as a treatment for inflammatory conditions.

Some evidence suggests that herbal treatments containing myrrh may have blood sugar and blood lipid-lowering effects.

A study that included 86 women with diabetes and high blood lipid levels gave some participants an herbal capsule filled with 600 milligrams of myrrh and Terminalia chebula fruit extract three times daily for three months.

The women who received the herbal capsule significantly reduced fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels. They also significantly increased their heart-protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol compared to baseline levels and placebo treatment.

The mechanism through which myrrh may help reduce blood sugar and blood lipid levels isn’t fully understood. Components in myrrh may decrease the liver’s production of glucose and increase cholesterol metabolism in the body, supporting healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

No evidence supports that myrrh supplements decrease blood sugar or blood lipids when used independently. For this reason, more research is needed.

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a parasite that causes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis impacts both sexes.

In females, it often causes symptoms like vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, vaginal itching, urinary tract infection symptoms, and pelvic pain. In males, symptoms can include penile discharge, testicular pain, increased urinary frequency, and cloudy urine.

Myrrh is known to have anti-parasitic properties and may be effective as a natural treatment for women with trichomoniasis who don’t respond to traditional antibiotic treatment. One study found that taking 600 milligrams of a myrrh extract called Mirazid for 6-8 days on an empty stomach two hours before breakfast cured nearly 85% of women with trichomoniasis who did not respond to traditional antibiotic treatment.

Although myrrh may have anti-parasitic qualities, you shouldn’t use myrrh to treat STIs like trichomoniasis unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. Research on myrrh’s anti-parasitic actions is limited, and more research is needed to confirm its potential use as a treatment for trichomoniasis and other parasitic infections.

Myrrh is available in several forms, including liquid extracts and capsules.

You can take myrrh as a stand-alone supplement or in an herbal formulation containing other ingredients, such as Chinese herbs. Make sure to read supplement labels carefully when shopping for myrrh products so you’re aware of other herbs or ingredients in the product.

Dosage 

Human research investigating the effects of myrrh is limited, and existing studies have primarily used myrrh in combination with other ingredients. For this reason, there is no general recommended dosage for myrrh supplements.

Most studies investigating the effects of myrrh on human health have used doses varying between 200-1,200 milligrams per day.

Seek advice from a healthcare provider before taking myrrh. They can help you decide whether or not myrrh is a safe and worthwhile supplement based on your medical background, goals, and health needs.

Though myrrh supplements haven’t been linked to many adverse side effects, myrrh products aren’t safe for everyone.

Pregnant people should avoid myrrh. It has uterine stimulant effects and may trigger miscarriage in people who are pregnant. Studies show that myrrh can be used as a treatment for incomplete abortion.

High myrrh doses may affect heart rate. People with heart conditions like arrhythmia should consult a healthcare provider before taking myrrh.

High doses of myrrh may also cause problems with kidney function in specific populations. People with kidney disease should talk to their healthcare provider before taking myrrh.

Potential Drug Interactions

Myrrh may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulant medications like Coumadin (warfarin).

Because myrrh may have blood sugar-lowering properties, it may interact with diabetes medications, causing low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Combining myrrh with other herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure may also increase the risk of low blood pressure.

Myrrh may interact with other drugs, so it’s important to discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider if you’re taking one or more medications.

What To Look For

If you’re interested in taking a myrrh supplement, purchase one from a reputable company. Many supplement companies are certified by third-party organizations like UL, USP, and NSF International, which set strict standards for supplement safety and quality.

Since research on myrrh’s long-term effects on health is limited, it’s best to discuss taking myrrh with a healthcare provider before purchasing a supplement.

Make sure to read product labels carefully; myrrh is often combined with other ingredients like herbs, some of which may not be safe or appropriate for your health needs.

Can You Take Too Much Myrrh?

Studies have shown that taking 1,200 milligrams of myrrh daily for 12 months is safe and not associated with adverse side effects.

Because human research is limited, it’s unclear how higher doses of myrrh impact health, especially when taken over long periods. Some evidence suggests taking higher doses of myrrh, around 2-4 grams, may increase the risk for gastrointestinal effects, heart rate changes, and kidney impairment.

Myrrh supplements are linked with a few side effects, including:

• Irregular heart rate
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain caused by uterine stimulation
• Skin rash or irritation with topical use

Some people have also reported experiencing severe skin reactions when taking myrrh orally. These reactions may present as red, itchy, swollen skin.

Myrrh supplements may cause other side effects. If you experience any side effects after taking myrrh, stop taking the supplement. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t resolve.

Myrrh is a resin derived from the sap of trees in the Commiphora plant family. It has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anti-parasitic, and blood lipid and blood sugar-lowering properties.

Human research investigating myrrh’s potential health benefits is limited. Because myrrh isn’t well-studied and may be unsafe for certain populations, speak with your healthcare provider before supplementing with myrrh to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate choice for your health needs.