Taking care of your mouth

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Hi all,

I was very interested in the threads we have had on mouth care, glycerin, tooth soap, etc. And while I was looking on the internet for something, I found an interview with Dr. Shillington in which he recommended using an intestinal cleanse formula, adding myrrh, and using it as a pack on the gums. Unfortunately, I failed to mark the site, and haven't been able to find it (darn!).

But while looking for the site, I have found some interesting info on myrrh, so here it is.

Name: Myrrh

Biological Name: Balasmodendron myrrha, Commiphora Myrrha

Burseraceae

Other Names: Myrrh, bola, bol, Balasmodendron

Parts Used: The oleo-gum-resin from the stem

Active Compounds:Volatile oil, containing heerabolene, cadinene, elemol, eugenol,

cuminaldehyde, numerous furanosesquiterpenes including furanodiene,

furanodienone, curzerenone, lindestrene, 2-methoxy furanodiene and

other derivatives.

Resins including a-, b- and g-commiphoric acids, commiphorinic acid,

heeraboresene, a-and b-heerabomyrrhols and commiferin.

Gums, composed of arabinose, galactose, xylose and 4-O-

methylglucuronic acid

Sterols etc.

History:Myrrh is referred to in the Bible. It was used by Egyptians in

embalming mixtures. It was used as an aromatic for perfumes, funerals,

and insect repellents.

It is used today as an aid to repel tooth decay and gum disease.

Ancient Greek and Roman physicians used the herb to treat wounds and

prescribed it internally as a digestive aid and menstruation promoter.

Contemporary herbalists recommend adding powdered myrrh to well-washed

wounds as an antiseptic and consider a gargle made from the herb

effective against sore throat, colds, sore teeth and gums, coughs,

asthma, and chest congestion.

Anti-microbial, astringent, carminative, anti-catarrhal, expectorant,

vulnerary, alterative, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic,

emmenagogue, expectorant,stimulant, rejuvenative

Myrrh is an effective anti-microbial agent that has been shown to work

in two complementary ways. Primarily it stimulates the production of

white blood corpuscles (with their anti-pathogenic actions) and

secondarily it has a direct anti-microbial effect.

Myrrh may be used in a wide range of conditions where an anti-microbial

agent is needed. It finds specific use in the treatment of infections

in the mouth such as mouth ulcers, gingivitis, phyorrhoea, as well as

the catarrhal problems of pharyngitis and sinusitis. It may also help

with laryngitis and respiratory complaints.

Systemically it is of value in the treatment of boils and similar

conditions as well as glandular fever and brucellosis. It is often used

as part of an approach to the treatment of the common cold. Externally

it will be healing and antiseptic for wounds and abrasions.

Myrrh is a common ingredient in European toothpaste to fight the

bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Myrrh may help prevent heart disease. Preliminary Indian studies

suggest that it reduces cholesterol. The herb may also help prevent the

internal blood clots that trigger heart attack.

Description:Indigenous to North-East Africa, collected in Southern Arabia and Iran.Myrrh is a large shrub or small tree that grows in the Middle East and

Ethiopia and Somalia. A pale yellow oil drips from the cuts in its dull

gray bark and hardens to form teardrop-shaped nuggets of myrrh, which

are powdered for use as a healing herb.

Dosage:Infusion: as the resin only dissolves in water with difficulty, it

should be powdered well to make an infusion. Pour a cup of boiling

water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the powder and leave to infuse for 10-15

minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: as the resin dissolves much more easily in alcohol, the

tincture is preferable and easily obtainable. Take 1-4 ml of the

tincture three times a day.

Combinations : It will combine well with Echinacea for infections and

as a mouth wash for ulcers and similar problems. For external use it

should be combined with distilled Witch Hazel.

Safety:Ayurvedic science suggests that myrrh can create excess pitta. Do not

use if you are pregnant. Large amounts may have violent laxative action

and could cause the other symptoms such as seating, nausea, vomiting,

and accelerated heartbeat.

Myrrh is included in the FDA's list of safe herbs.From http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h135.htm******Medicinal PropertiesAlterative, analgesic, antifungal, antiseptic, astringent, carminative,

emmenagogue, expectorant, antispasmodic, disinfectant, immune

stimulant, circulatory stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary.

Legends, Myths and StoriesOne of the earliest records of man's use of myrrh is found in an

Egyptian papyrus dated about 2000 BC. Ancient Egyptian women rid their

homes of fleas with myrrh pellets. Myrrh was the main ingredient for

the very ancient Egyptian Kyphi incense. Moses was instructed by God to

use myrrh as one of the main ingredients in a holy oil for anointing

the priests (Exodus 30:22-33). incense and myrrh were the two

substances that formed the bases of incense Moses fixed for Jewish

ceremonial rites. There are many references in the Bible to myrrh,

perhaps the most interesting biblical passages about myrrh are found in

the Song of , where myrrh is compared to the joys of sexual love

(Song of 1:13 and 4:6).

UsesIts uses are similar to those of frankincense, with which it is often

combined in liniments and incense. Myrrh is one of the most effective

of all known disinfectants. It increases circulation and heart rate.

It is useful for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, uterine tumors,

as it purges stagnant blood out of the uterus. Good for obesity and

diabetes.

The alcoholic extracts of echinacea, myrrh, and mullein are combined to

make a medicated oil; an excellent liniment for bruises, aches and

sprains is made from a combination of equal parts of myrrh, goldenseal,

and cayenne, macerated in rubbing alcohol for about two weeks. Myrrh is

commonly used in Chinese medicine for rheumatism, arthritis and

circulatory problems.

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for sores in the mouth, denture

irritated mouth, and throat, diphtheria, sore teeth and gums, coughs,

colds, stomach flu, asthma, anemia, and other chest problems. Apply

tincture of myrrh full strength to cold sores. It can also be taken

internally for bad breath, pyorrhea and for loose teeth and weak gums.

Its disinfectant properties make myrrh suitable as a wash for sores,

fungal infections, traumatic injuries and wounds, piles, old ulcers,

bed sores, and also as a douche. Add myrrh powder to the sore or wound

after washing for continued disinfectant activity. Cleans the colon and

brings order to the digestive system.

Sinus problems that have been with people for years have improved with

the use of myrrh.

Studies suggest that myrrh stimulates the body's immune system,

increasing resistance to infection.

The clear, fragrant gum resin of myrrh has been used since ancient

times as an incense, as an ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes, as a

fumigant, and in embalming.

Formulas or DosagesInfusion: steep 1 tsp. myrrh in 1 pint boiling water for a few minutes

and strain. For bad breath, add 1 tsp. goldenseal. Take 1 tsp., 5-6

times a day.

Gargle: steep 1 tsp. myrrh and 1 tsp. boric acid in 1 pint boiling

water. Let stand 30 minutes and strain.

Extract: mix 2 to 5 drops in water for an excellent mouthwash.

Use the powdered resin as a tooth powder to brush the teeth.

Tincture: take 2-5 drops at a time, as needed.Back to TopHow SoldCapsulesTincturePowder

WarningAny resins tend to be difficult to eliminate and can cause minor damage

to the kidneys if taken internally over an extended period. Very high

doses, taken over a long period of time can be dangerous. Do not exceed

the recommended dose. Do not use if pregnant or have kidney disease

without first checking with the doctor. Myrrh is a uterine stimulant.

Bibliography The Herb Book,by Lust, pgs., 46, 177, 288-289, 473, 474, 529, 541, 565, 574,

606-607. The Herbalist Almanac,by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 36, 49. Planetary Herbology,by Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 57, 126, 134, 246,

278-279, 361, 397.American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 291. Back to Eden,by Jethro Kloss, pg., 160. Indian Herbalogy of North America,by Alma R. Hutchens, pg., 144.Chinese Medicinal Herbs, compiled by Li Shih-Chen, pgs., 61-62.Old Ways Rediscovered, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 11, 22-23.Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 112, 133-134.Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Lucas, pgs., 47-48. The Complete Medicinal Herbal,by Penelope Ody, pgs., 50, 142-143, 146-147. Webster's New World Dictionary,Third College Edition, Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 897.A Useful Guide to Herbal Health Care, HCBL (Health Center for Better

Living), pg., 32. The Yoga of Herbs,by Dr. Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 50, 62, 69, 73, 81, 87,

123, 131-132, 137, 139, 159, 172, 208, 225.The Rodale Herb Book, edited by H. Hylton, pg., 64.From http://www.egregore.com/herbs/Myrrh.htm#Properties*********MYRRH

Botanical Name: Commiphora myrrha

Plant Family: Burseraceae

Common Names: Balsamodendron Myrrha, Gum Myrrh Tree

Origin: Myrrh is the aromatic gummy substance (resin) exuded by

certain trees and shrubs growing in eastern Africa (Somalia) and

Arabia.

History: Myrrh has been used from remote ages as an ingredient in

incense, perfumes, etc., in the holy oil of the Jews and the Kyphi of

the Egyptians forembalming and fumigations. It is mentioned in an Egyptian papyrus dated

2000 B.C.

Tradition: Myrrh was:a standard magical herb to be included in the tools of everyoneburned to purify and protectused to consecrate and purify ritual tools and objects needing to be

blessed

Medicinal Parts Used: The oleo gum resin from the stem

Contains:acetates of potassaashbenzoatesbittersgummalatesMyrrhin [resin]resinssaltssulfatesvolatile oil

Action:antimicrobial [an agent that destroys microbes]antiseptic [an agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or

putrefactive bacteria] (Myrrh is a powerful antiseptic being second

only toEchinacea)astringent [an agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions

or discharges]carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas

from the intestines]disinfectant [an agent that cleanses infection by destroying or

inhibiting the activity of disease-producing micro-organisms;

antiseptic]emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous from the

respiratory passages]healingstimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of

physiological processes]stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]stomachic carminative [exciting appetite and the flow of gastric

juices]tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire

organism]

Myrrh is a strong cleaning and healing agent, soothing the body and

speeding the healing process and is often used in combination withGolden Seal.

Myrrh is used for:Bacterial, Viral and Fungal ConditionsCandida/Thrushdestroys bacteria it comes into contact withherpes

Blood Conditionsincreases the number of white blood cells

Cardiovascular Conditionsincreasing circulationFemale Conditionsexcessive bleeding during menstruation, combined with Aloe veraGastrointestinal Conditionsconstipation, especially when combined withAloe veraused as a tonic in dyspepsia

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:bad breath

Immune System Conditionsstimulates the immune system

Respiratory System Conditionsasthmabronchial and other chest problemschest problemschronic catarrhcoughsdisinfects the secretions of bronchial mucous membranes

Myrrh is used as an expectorant only if there are no feverish symptoms

present

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:inflamed throat, tonsillitis, ulcerated mouth, throat and tongue,

Otherbad legsdebility, combined with Aloe verasore or loose teethspongy gumsulcers

Myrrh makes a good gargle and mouthwash for:abscesses, fighting and preventing gum disease, gingevitis, sore or loose teeth, spongy gums, weak gums

Externally Myrrh is useful as a douche for:leucorrheaa local disinfectant

and as a wash for: abscesses, boils, cold sores (early stage), foul ulcers, skin infections, sores and wounds.

Other Uses:cosmetics, embalming, incense, perfumesFrom http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/myrrh.htm