Myrrh has been prized for its unique protective properties throughout human history. These properties are so powerful that the ancient Chinese, Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians used it to preserve both the living and the dead. Famously mentioned in the Bible over 150 times, it was known in the ancient world as an essential ingredient in healing wounds, preventing infections, embalming, and purifying prior to religious ceremonies.
Myrrh Oil is produced by cutting into the bark of the Commiphora myrrha tree found throughout the Middle East and the northern parts of Africa. When the protective outer bark is cut, the inner bark releases droplets of bitter golden sap which air-dry into small, dark lumps of resin. The fragrant resin is gathered from the tree and steam distilled to extract the concentrated oily essence.
Chemically, Myrrh contains a number of antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds. Most importantly, it is rich in eugenol and terpenoids, which are produced by plants to preserve and protect themselves against environmental stress. These phytochemicals have similar benefits on the complexion — Myrrh Oil is a potent healing ingredient that can treat irritated, inflamed, or distressed skin while helping to fortify skin against UV rays, smoke, pollution, and other damage.