Most everyone who is familiar with the Christmas story has heard of myrrh.  This is one of the three gifts presented to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The three gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The value of gold is common knowledge and was always associated with royalty, the perfect gift for the newborn king. Myrrh and frankincense were equally valued in spiritual and healing modalities, and, like gold, they also had monetary value. In today’s monetary system, what was paid for these spices at the time of the birth of Jesus was $500 per pound for frankincense, and a whopping $4000 per pound for myrrh. Today the cost of myrrh is a mere $15 per pound due to the increased availability and usage.  

Myrrh and frankincense were both used in religious ceremonies for purification of the air, physical surroundings, and the soul. Myrrh was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil, used for consecrating priests and kings. It was used in the purification of Queen Esther and was highly valued in the art of embalming; hence its relevance in foreshadowing the crucifixion and resurrection.

Myrrh is a resin gathered from small thorny Commiphora trees. When the bark is damaged or infested by insects or microorganisms, the tree manufactures and exudes a resin that blocks the invasion, disperses the invaders, and repairs damages. This dried resin is gathered and used medicinally. Historically it was used as an antiseptic on wounds and ulcers, and as an analgesic to relieve pain. Even though bacteria and viruses hadn’t been discovered, myrrh was used to cure the diseases they caused, like leprosy. 

Today myrrh is used in mouth washes, toothpaste, sun blocks, and to stabilize cosmetics. It is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, analgesic, aromatic, and anti-depressive. In fact, myrrh has compounds that interact with opioid receptors that tell your brain you’re not in pain.

Myrrh, like all herbs, transcends the passage of time. What was valuable thousands of years ago is valuable today and will still be used for thousands of years in the future. 

May the knowledge of herbs bless us physically, mentally, and spiritually and keep our thoughts in the wonders of this season.

David Christopher is a Master Herbalist, director of The School of Natural Healing, and son of our beloved Dr. John R. Christopher. He is continually helping others improve their health and that of their family members. The School loves having him as the director.