# Myrrh essential oil

> Myrrh is a rich, resinous single oil with deep historical roots, often paired with frankincense in meditation and skincare blends.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/myrrh

Type: Single oil

## At a glance

- **Botanical name:** Commiphora myrrha
- **Plant part:** Resin
- **Extraction:** Resin distillation
- **Aroma:** Warm, earthy, resinous
- **Origin:** Horn of Africa
- **Blends with:** Frankincense

## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate)

Based on 7 GC-MS samples from 5 peer-reviewed papers (2021–2025); Moderate evidence base. 30 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range):

| Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| β-elemene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 5.8 | 3.9–6.7 | 9.1 | 5 |
| germacrene b | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 4.42 | 3.79–4.53 | 4.6 | 4 |
| germacrene d | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 2.35 | 0.53–2.9 | 3.3 | 5 |
| γ-elemene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 2.3 | 1.68–2.7 | 3.42 | 5 |
| δ-elemene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.47 | 0.8–2 | 2.2 | 5 |
| τ-cadinol | Oxygenated sesquiterpene | 1.55 | 0.88–2.23 | 2.9 | 2 |
| β-bourbonene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.71 | 0.42–0.95 | 1.2 | 3 |
| β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.7 | 0.49–1.11 | 1.52 | 3 |
| α-selinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.77 | 0.55–0.98 | 1.2 | 2 |
| β-selinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.76 | 0.58–0.93 | 1.1 | 2 |
| δ-cadinene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.4 | 0.29–0.45 | 0.5 | 3 |
| α-copaene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.4 | 0.32–0.4 | 0.4 | 3 |

Chemotypes seen in the samples: curzerene (29% of samples), furanoeudesma-1,3-diene (29% of samples), furanoeudesma-1,3-dione (14% of samples), 2-acetoxyfuranodiene (14% of samples), β-elemene (14% of samples).

## Key constituents

- **Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene** (15-25%) — A major sesquiterpene behind myrrh's warm, resinous depth
- **Curzerene** (10-20%) — Contributes to the earthy, slightly medicinal facet of the aroma
- **Lindestrene** — A minor sesquiterpene that adds complexity to the resin note

## How to use it

- **In the diffuser:** 2–3 drops for a deep, grounding aroma suited to meditation or a quiet evening.
- **On skin:** Dilute to 2–5% in a carrier oil — it pairs naturally with frankincense as a base note.

## Safety

- Patch-test before regular topical use, and avoid use during pregnancy without guidance from a healthcare provider.
- Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin.
- Traditionally avoided during pregnancy — check with a professional if pregnant.
- Not phototoxic. Dilute for skin use as with any essential oil.
- Keep out of reach of children.

## What the research says

- Myrrh's furanosesquiterpenes have been studied for anti-inflammatory and analgesic-related activity in laboratory models. These are early findings about isolated activity, not clinical proof the oil treats pain or disease. — Marcotullio et al. (2003), Journal of Essential Oil Research (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2003.9712264)

## Evidence

- Myrrh oil is dominated by furanosesquiterpenes, especially furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, which give the oil its warm, resinous character. — Marcotullio et al. (2003), Journal of Essential Oil Research (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2003.9712264)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is myrrh oil made from?

Like frankincense, myrrh is steam-distilled from a hardened tree resin — in this case from Commiphora trees. The oil is rich in furanosesquiterpenes that give it a deep, warm, balsamic scent.

### Can I use myrrh oil during pregnancy?

It's traditionally avoided during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, check with a qualified professional before using it.

### Is myrrh phototoxic?

No — myrrh is a resin oil with no phototoxic constituents, so there's no sun-exposure restriction. Dilute it for skin use as usual.

## Sources (GC-MS studies)

- Hamed AM, Awad AA, Abdel-Mobdy AE, Alzahrani A, Salamatullah AM. Buffalo Yogurt Fortified with Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha) Essential Oils: New Insights into the Functional Properties and Extended Shelf Life. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8625777
- Spinozzi E, Ferrati M, Baldassarri C, Rossi P, Favia G, Cameli G, Benelli G, Canale A, De Fazi L, Pavela R, Quassinti L, Giordani C, Araniti F, Cappellacci L, Petrelli R, Maggi F. Essential oil and furanosesquiterpenes from myrrh oleo-gum resin: a breakthrough in mosquito vector management. _Natural products and bioprospecting_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11753448
- Alanazi NAH, Alamri AA, Mashlawi AM, Almuzaini N, Mohamed G, Salama SA. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Chemical Profiling of Commiphora myrrha Resin Extracts and Evaluation of Larvicidal, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11051918
- Ulrich J, Stiltz S, St-Gelais A, El Gaafary M, Simmet T, Syrovets T, Schmiech M. Phytochemical Composition of Commiphora Oleogum Resins and Their Cytotoxicity against Skin Cancer Cells. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9229828
- Madia VN, De Angelis M, De Vita D, Messore A, De Leo A, Ialongo D, Tudino V, Saccoliti F, De Chiara G, Garzoli S, Scipione L, Palamara AT, Di Santo R, Nencioni L, Costi R. Investigation of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. Oil and Its Main Components for Antiviral Activity. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2021. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC7999460

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._