Myrrh {Commiphora myrrha or molmol}
Myrrh also known as bola or bil
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Vata and Kapha, slightly increases Pitta
- Taste – Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Energetics – Heating
- Main Traditional Action: Anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, reduces ama, rasayana
- Other Traditional Uses: Antiseptic, blood purifier, revitalizer, improve blood circulation, sores, wounds, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, asthma, stomach problems, arthritis, and menstrual problems.
Modern Research
Myrrh and its components have been shown to have antiseptic, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihypergycemic, immunomodulatory, anesthetic, chemoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Its has also been shown to protect against gastric mucosal damage caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ethanol, to be useful in the treatment of parasitic ailments, and to lower cholesterol LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, as well as to increase the HDL (good cholesterol) in humans.