Myrrh is an essential oil known as an oleoresin. It is the aromatic resin of several tiny, thorny tree species in the genus Commiphora. Natural gum is made of myrrh resin. It has been used historically as a medicinal, incense, and perfume. It can also be consumed when combined with wine.

The tree leaks resin when a wound pierces through the bark and into the sapwood.  Similar to frankincense, myrrh gum is a resin. The trees are frequently wounded to bleed them of the gum before myrrh is harvested.

Myrrh gum is waxy and quickly coagulates. The gum becomes firm and shiny after harvest. The gum is yellowish and could be opaque or clear. As it matures, it darkens significantly and develops white streaks.

SPECIES

The species Commiphora myrrha, which is indigenous to Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea, and eastern Ethiopia, is the source of most commercially produced myrrh gum. The cultivable species C. momol is another. Native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Eastern Mediterranean, the similar Commiphora gileadensis,

It is the Balm of Gilead, also referred to in the Bible as Balsam of Mecca. Other species produce Indian myrrh and bdellium. Other Commiphora and Balsamodendron species’ oleo gum resins are also utilized as fragrances, medications (such aromatic wound dressings), and incense materials.

Myrrh of lower quality is bled from the Commiphora erythraea tree. The gum resin bleeding from a species of parsnip, Pastincea opobalsamum, is called as Opopinax, and it shares this name with Commiphora gileadensis (syn C. opobalsamum) oleo gum resin.

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