Ancient Uses of Myrrh
In the New Testament, myrrh is mentioned several times: at Jesus' birth, at his crucifixion, and at his burial.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Myrrh is an aromatic resin obtained from trees belonging to the genus Commiphora.
The tree grows in the African continent in the countries of Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia and Eritrea.
In order for the tree to release its resin, the bark has to be punctured and tapped, much like maple sap is collected from maple trees.
Once the resin droplets get in contact with the air, they become hard and glossy, and they darken with age.
Myrrh has been used as medicine, incense and perfume for thousands of years.
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