Myrrh

Commiphora myrrha · Commiphora molmol

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Minor mouth ulcers¹ Gingivitis and mouth inflammation² Episiotomy wound healing³ Minor wounds and small boils² Ulcerative colitis maintenance^4–7 Acute diarrhea symptoms^4–7	Pregnancy or breastfeeding⁸ Hypersensitivity to myrrh² Topical use on sensitive skin⁹

Myrrh is the oleo-gum resin of Commiphora species, including Commiphora myrrha and Commiphora molmol, used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects⁹. Supplementation follows from that effect: topical and oromucosal care of mouth ulcers, gingivitis, and minor wounds², postpartum perineal healing³, and, in combination products, bowel inflammation. Typical users are adults with recurrent mouth ulcers or gum inflammation and postpartum women with episiotomy wounds.

Myrrh sitz baths healed episiotomy wounds better than betadine in a randomized trial of primiparous women³. A myrrh, chamomile, and coffee charcoal combination showed no significant difference from mesalazine for maintaining ulcerative colitis remission⁵. Antischistosomal results conflict: one trial reported high cure rates, while a randomized comparison with praziquantel found very low cure rates. In vitro, a 2022 study found Commiphora myrrha essential oil cytotoxic to skin cancer cells and less toxic to normal keratinocytes; no human trial has tested it. Among 372 products listing myrrh, liquid extracts predominate, with capsules less common; see Form comparison.

The most consequential caution is pregnancy: a 2020 placebo-controlled trial found myrrh capsules increased complete resolution of retained products of conception after incomplete abortion¹⁰. Health Canada labels contraindicate use in pregnancy or breastfeeding⁸. MSKCC lists warfarin as a reason not to take myrrh, citing a case report⁹. Health Canada labels ask patients on prescription medications to consult a health care practitioner before use⁸.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

43 sources, 35 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources