--- title: "Myrrh: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "EMA recognises myrrh tincture as a traditional external remedy for mouth ulcers, gum inflammation and minor wounds." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/myrrh/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Resin & Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) # Myrrh Commiphora myrrha (C. molmol) T Traditional use EMA recognises myrrh tincture as a traditional external remedy for mouth ulcers, gum inflammation and minor wounds. Not recommended under 12 or in pregnancy. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## At a glance Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha, C. molmol) is a fragrant gum resin that seeps from trees of Arabia and East Africa. EMA recognises the traditional use of alcoholic myrrh tincture for minor mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, minor wounds and small boils. It is used only in the mouth and on the skin. **Parts used:** gum resin **Key constituents:** Essential oil (furanosesquiterpenes), Resin, Gum (polysaccharides) Updated: October 24, 2026 Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval. ## What is it used for? - T Traditional use EMA recognises myrrh tincture as a traditional herbal medicinal product for minor ulcers and inflammation in the mouth (stomatitis and gingivitis), used as a rinse or applied directly. \[1\] - T Traditional use EMA recognises myrrh tincture applied to the skin as a traditional use for minor wounds and small boils (furuncles). \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Gargle For the mouth, the tincture is diluted in water and used as a rinse or gargle, or dabbed undiluted onto the sore with a cotton bud. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week. **Amount:** 0.5–5 ml tincture in 150 ml water, 3 times a day; or undiluted tincture 2–3 times a day **Duration limit:** 1 week \[1\] ### Topical The tincture is dabbed onto a minor wound or boil with cotton. See a doctor if fever or signs of a worsening infection appear. **Amount:** Undiluted or water-diluted tincture, 2–3 times a day **Duration limit:** 1 week \[1\] ## Safety & interactions **⚠ External use only** Minimum age: 12 years Duration limit: 7 days - The tincture contains a high level of alcohol (made with 90% ethanol); it may cause temporary burning or irritation where applied. - Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of data. - Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established. - Boils on the face should be treated by a doctor. - Avoid contact with the eyes. - See a doctor if there is fever, spreading redness or symptoms lasting more than 1 week. \[1\] ### Drug interactions No recorded interactions ### Side effects - Allergic skin reactions - Temporary burning and irritation of the mouth or skin due to alcohol #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Frequently asked questions Is myrrh good for mouth ulcers? EMA recognises myrrh tincture as a traditional rinse or dab for minor ulcers and inflammation in the mouth. See a doctor for ulcers lasting more than a week. Is myrrh good for gum inflammation? EMA recognises the traditional use of myrrh tincture for gum inflammation (gingivitis). See a dentist if your gums keep bleeding. Is myrrh the same as frankincense? No. Myrrh comes from Commiphora species and frankincense from Boswellia species; they are different resins. Can you swallow myrrh? The EMA assessment covers only rinsing/dabbing in the mouth and applying to the skin. Do not swallow the tincture. Can I use myrrh while pregnant? EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established. ## Sources Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval. 1. [Community herbal monograph on Commiphora molmol Engler, gummi-resina](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-commiphora-molmol-engler-gummi-resina_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2011 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha (C. molmol)). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/myrrh/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Common Mallow](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/common-mallow/) B Limited clinical evidence Malva sylvestris L. Common mallow leaves and flowers are traditionally used for throat irritation and mild digestive discomfort; avoid medicinal use in pregnancy and under 12. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Oregano](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/oregano/) B Limited clinical evidence Origanum onites, Origanum vulgare Oregano (Origanum) is traditionally used as a tea for indigestion and coughs; clinical evidence is limited. Avoid more than food amounts in pregnancy. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Tea Tree Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tea-tree-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree oil is used on the skin only for small wounds, insect bites, small spots and mild athlete's foot itching; it must not be swallowed. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Calendula](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/calendula/) T Traditional use Calendula officinalis Calendula flower is traditionally used for minor skin inflammation such as sunburn, as an aid to heal minor wounds and as a mouth gargle. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Chamomile](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/) T Traditional use Matricaria recutita A gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) +2 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Ribwort Plantain](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ribwort-plantain/) T Traditional use Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain leaf is traditionally used for throat irritation with dry cough, for cough with a cold and for minor skin inflammation. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Resin & Gum) [Resin & Gum →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) ### [Frankincense (Olibanum)](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/frankincense/) B Limited clinical evidence Boswellia sacra / Boswellia serrata The resin of the Boswellia tree. Standardised extracts are backed by limited clinical studies for pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis. [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Resin & Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) ### [Mastic Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/mastic-gum/) B Limited clinical evidence Pistacia lentiscus Mastic gum is a natural resin traditionally taken by mouth for mild indigestion and used on the skin for minor inflammation and small wounds. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Resin & Gum](https://herbadex.com/en/form/resin-gum/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.