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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Myrrh

Myrrh has a defensible niche as a topical antiseptic mouth rinse and essentially nothing else: the one time a myrrh drug was tested head-to-head as an antiparasitic, it failed badly. It is also routinely confused with guggul, a different Commiphora species.

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What the science says

  • Antiseptic mouthwash and gum care Limited evidence

    Myrrh tincture is an approved traditional remedy in Europe for mild mucosal inflammation of the mouth and throat, and its resin sesquiterpenes have local antimicrobial and mild anesthetic activity. Supporting data are small, mostly uncontrolled, or come from multi-ingredient rinses; this is a traditional-use registration, not a demonstrated cure for gingivitis or periodontitis.

  • Treats schistosomiasis and fascioliasis (Mirazid) Limited evidence

    Mirazid, an Egyptian myrrh-oleoresin drug, was widely promoted as an alternative to praziquantel. When properly evaluated, cure rates were far below praziquantel's and the drug was judged ineffective against both schistosomiasis and fascioliasis; the studies underpinning its approval were criticised for weak parasitological methods. It is the clearest documented failure in the myrrh literature and a useful reminder that traditional plus marketed does not mean effective.

  • Anti-inflammatory support in irritable bowel and ulcerative colitis Limited evidence

    A German combination product of myrrh, chamomile flower extract, and coffee charcoal has been tested for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis and for IBS, with results suggesting possible non-inferiority to mesalazine in a small pilot. Myrrh alone was not tested, the samples were small, and this remains an unproven adjunct rather than a treatment.

  • Lowers cholesterol Limited evidence

    This claim belongs to guggul (Commiphora mukul) and its guggulsterones, not to myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) — and even the guggul lipid data are mixed to negative in Western trials. Labels that blur the two species are selling you the wrong plant for the claim.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTopical/oral rinse: 5-10 drops of myrrh tincture in a glass of water, rinsed or gargled 2-3 times daily; undiluted tincture may be dabbed on gums. Traditional oral doses of resin are 0.3-1.5 g daily, but there is no trial-validated systemic dose. A 90-day rat study established a no-observed-adverse-effect level in the low hundreds of mg/kg/day, which does not translate directly to a human supplement dose.
SafetyMyrrh is a uterine stimulant in traditional and animal use and should be avoided in pregnancy. Oral doses above a few grams can cause diarrhoea, kidney irritation, and heart-rate changes. It has reported hypoglycemic effects, so monitor with antidiabetic drugs, and case reports suggest it may reduce the effect of warfarin. Allergic contact dermatitis and mouth irritation from tinctures (which are high in ethanol) are common. Myrrh essential oil should not be ingested. Avoid in children. Not prohibited in sport; not approved as a drug in the US, and the Egyptian antiparasitic product should not be relied on for any parasitic infection.

How to take it

TimingRinse or gargle two to three times daily, ideally after brushing.
With food?Not relevant for a mouth rinse — swill and spit rather than swallowing.
Worth knowingTinctures are mostly ethanol, so dilute in water before rinsing or you will irritate the mucosa you are trying to treat.

Interactions

With medications

  • warfarin

    Case reports describe myrrh reducing warfarin's anticoagulant effect and dropping INR. avoid, or have INR checked closely if you use it

  • insulin, sulfonylureas and other diabetes medication

    Myrrh has reported blood-glucose-lowering effects that add to treatment. monitor glucose and discuss any dose change with your prescriber

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Is myrrh good for gums and mouth ulcers?

Myrrh tincture is a traditional European remedy for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat, but the evidence is limited: the supporting data are small, mostly uncontrolled or from multi-ingredient rinses. Myrrh is not a demonstrated cure for gingivitis or periodontitis.

How do you use myrrh tincture as a mouthwash?

Add 5-10 drops of myrrh tincture to a glass of water and rinse or gargle 2-3 times daily, then spit rather than swallow. Myrrh tinctures are mostly ethanol, so dilute them or they will irritate your mouth.

Does myrrh work against parasites?

No. When Mirazid, an Egyptian myrrh-based antiparasitic drug, was properly compared with praziquantel, its cure rates were far lower and it was judged ineffective against schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. Myrrh should not be relied on for any parasitic infection.

Does myrrh lower cholesterol?

There is no good evidence that myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) lowers cholesterol; that claim belongs to guggul (Commiphora mukul), a different species, and even guggul's lipid data are mixed to negative. Labels that blur the two are selling the wrong plant for the claim.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Herb Pharm, Myrrh, 1 fl oz (30 ml)

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