Fresh Myrrh oleoresin. Commiphora Myrrha, Ogaden region Ethiopia. For perfume, Medicine and Incense.

There are fewer fair trade concerns with resins from Ethiopia compared to those from other countries since the Ethiopian government regulates the resin prices so collectors get a fair share, and they have been working for decades to address issues of sustainability in the resin trade there. They have set up programs to educate harvesters in sustainable methods of tapping and nurseries to supply young trees to resin harvesting areas. To the best of my knowledge, the tree's biggest threats in Ethiopia are agricultural encroachment, use for charcoal and the insects and pathogens that are their natural enemies.

Along with Frankincense, Myrrh is probably one of the most well known natural oleoresins in the world. Famous for its use since biblical times as medicine, fragrance and incense, Myrrh has long been valued for its many medicinal applications and has been at times, worth its weight in gold. Literally.

The name Myrrh is rooted in The Aramaic word for bitter. Mar, Mor. It lives up to its name with a wonderfully rich, sweet, stimulating bitterness. Some associate this with the names Mary, Miriam, Mariam, and believe it to mean the bitter of the sea, the froth of the sea? (Sometimes associated with the Goddess Astarte, Ashtoreth). Either way, Myrrh is considered to be of a feminine nature, which is appropriate since Myrrh is ruled astrologically by the Moon and has an affinity with the fluid systems of our body. ( Frankincense is ruled by the Sun). It is interesting to note that it has also been used to regulate menstrual flow.

For instructions on making your own tincture of Myrrh for oral care, please see my post, http://apothecarysgarden.com/2014/12/29/preparing-winter-medicine-with-tree-saps/



Dan