MYRRH: A Royal Gift
by Elaine Hruska, True Health Newsletter
“Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume/
breathes a life of gathering gloom/…
sealed in the stone-cold tomb,”
sings one of the Magi in the Christmas
carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are.”
Mentioned in nearly 400 Edgar
Cayce readings, myrrh is a reddish-brown
resin or gum that originates from a bush native
to East Africa and Arabia, where over
135 species are found. Growing mainly in
arid regions, it is mentioned in both the
Old and New Testaments. The Christmas
carol alludes to its use as a perfume (in
which the gum was pressed into cakes) and
as a salve for purifying the dead, but it is
also a spice and an incense. As an effective
antimicrobial agent, it is used to treat gum,
mouth, and catarrhal problems, such as
mouth sores, toothache, ulcerated throat,
and sinusitis, and as a liniment for bruises,
abrasions, aches, and sprains. How did the
readings treat this royal gift?
As a Massage Lubricant
The Cayce readings most often recommend
myrrh for external applications,
particularly as an ingredient in a massage
formula (as a tincture, equal parts with olive oil). “Cayce did not always explain his
selection of a particular oil or mixture,”
states Dr. Harold J. Reilly, “but where we
do find explanations there always seemed
to be a therapeutic rationale, rather than
caprice or custom.” [Handbook for Health
Through Drugless Therapy (rev. ed.), p. 162]
Explanations from the readings for
using the myrrh itself include: “…the
Tincture of Myrrh acts with the pores of
the skin in such a manner as to strike in,
causing the circulation to be carried to affected
parts…” (440-3); “…the Myrrh will
be healing and allow the muscular forces
to relax [more]” (619-9); it “will rest the
body and make for greater stimulation”
(632-2) and for “strengthening in the muscular
forces…” (716-2)
The combination of equal parts tincture
of myrrh (an alcoholic solution of the
herb) and olive oil (in a few instances sassafras
oil or compound tincture of benzoin was also added) is mixed first by heating
the oil, then adding the myrrh; otherwise,
the two components would remain separate.
Just the amount needed would be
mixed, so it’s made fresh with each use.
One reading states: “Heat the oil, not to boiling—but nearly so, and add the myrrh.
about a tablespoonful of each should be
used. this the quantity to be used at each
application.” (5467-1) often the mixture
is to be applied locally.
An additional note: in one reading, 4873-1, the opposite instruction is given; that is,
to heat the myrrh, then add the oil. the explanation
given is that “this will make for
more of an ointment (while the other would
remain in a different solution entirely).”
These two substances together make an
effective combination when rubbed into the
skin. one man was told that for his back
massage “it’s strengthening for the body.”
(572-4) rubbed into her lower back and
down her legs would also “strengthen the
body” for one woman, as well as provide“food value for the capillary circulation
and for the equalizing of the circulation
throughout the body.” (3776-17) another
reading notes that “the healing forces of
the [olive] oil as combined with the myrrh [are] a stimulation to the circulatory forces
in the superficial portions of the body.”
(528-9) When massaged along the cerebrospinal
system, “the oil and Myrrh acting
as a lubricant and taken in the capillary circulation,
assist in the proper eliminations,
and the Myrrh acting as the carrier, while
oil acts as food and as stimulant, same as
that in the Myrrh.” (4382-4).
Following an osteopathic manipulation
and relieving calluses, cramping of hands
and feet, and muscle soreness are further
indications for this olive oil/myrrh combination.
its strengthening effect and increase
in circulation also provide good reasons for
its beneficial use as a massage lubricant.
Other Purposes in the Readings
Used in combination with additional
herbs and oils (see individual readings on specific physical conditions), myrrh
is listed as an ingredient in several tonics
and inhalants; for douches and sitz baths,
often related to gynecological problems;
in pellets for debilitation; and to remove
the residue from the eyelids following the
application of a potato poultice. In a few
cases it was recommended, along with
other substances, as an additive in steam
baths to relieve tension and itching as well
as increase eliminations.
Significance of the Three Gifts
Myrrh’s association with one of the
three gifts of the Magi or Wise Men to
the infant Jesus is familiar to most people,
and its significance has long been open to
speculation. in one reading Cayce referred
to the Wise Men as “seekers for the truth
[and] as ye would term today psychic.”
(5749-7) following their intuition they
were led to the infant, “giving the thanks
for this Gift, this expression of a soul seeking
to show wayward man back to God.”
Cayce further elaborated on the symbolism
of each of the three gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh: “…they represent
in the metaphysical sense the three
phases of man’s experience in materiality;
gold, the material; frankincense, the ether
or ethereal; myrrh, the healing force as
brought with same; or body, mind, soul.”
(5749-7) Perhaps this healing force can be
kept in mind when one is applying or using
this herb for relief and strength.
Currently myrrh is available as a
tincture of 4 fluid ounces from the official worldwide supplier of Cayce health
care products (see contact information
in box). Mixed in equal parts with olive
oil, it becomes a liniment or salve for
muscular pain or strain, offering healing
and soothing relief from tension and
soreness.
© True Health Newsletter
