Suhul Myrrh-A gift from the trees

After the rainy season has ended, when the resin harvesters go visit the Myrrh trees to tap them, they collect the resin that the tree has already produced on its own. This is "Suhul" Myrrh-It is a gift from the Myrrh tree.

Many consider this clearer and lighter-coloured myrrh to be the Stacte referred to in the old testament and one of the ingredients in the sacred temple incense called Ketoreth.

For more information about Suhul Myrrh please see my post-Suhul Myrrh. A gift from the trees at www.apothecarysgarden.com/blog

The word "Suhul", has its roots in " Sahl" which means "Given freely" as opposed to the type of Myrrh that is collected after tapping the tree which is named "Sarac" Myrrh. It is the simple difference between something that is given and something that is taken.

Suhul Myrrh is usually lighter, brighter and more translucent than the Sarac, or tapped Myrrh and often sweeter smelling. This batch fits the description perfectly. It is wonderfully complex aromatically,
sweeter and sticky-moist in its freshness.

It only comes around once in a while so get it while it is here.

Along with Frankincense, Myrrh is probably one of the most well-known natural oleoresins in the world. Famous for its use since biblical times as medicine, fragrance and incense, Myrrh has long been valued for its many medicinal applications and has been at times, worth its weight in gold.

A precious commodity in the ancient world, this powerful oleoresin has kept its value as a component in perfumes and incense, while medicinally, it is still unsurpassed as a “heal-all” for oral care.

Myrrh contains 2 compounds that are analgesic and help relieve pain.

 

The name Myrrh is rooted in The Aramaic word for bitter. Mar, Mor. It lives up to its name with a wonderfully rich, stimulating bitterness. Some associate this with the names Mary, (Mar-Yam), Miriam, Mariam, and believe it to mean the bitter of the sea, the froth of the sea.
The name of the Goddess Aphrodite translates to "risen from the froth of the sea".

Suhul Myrrh is ruled Astrologically by the Moon and the sign of Cancer, considered to be of feminine in nature, and has an affinity with water, ebb and flow and especially the fluid systems of our body where it helps to regulate and rebalance the digestive tract, oral cavity, and women's menses. ( Frankincense is ruled by the Sun).

In Some Somali Harvesting communities, Myrrh is harvested exclusively by the women of the clan. Frankincense which requires stripping and tapping of the tree is managed and harvested only by the men.

For a simple mouthwash, one can place a half teaspoon of Myrrh resin crushed or ground in a cup, add boiling water and let sit till cool. It can then be swished in the mouth or gargled repeatedly during the day. (It is bitter!) A quarter teaspoon of sea salt can be added to this mix as well.

For recipes for Myrrh and other oleoresins, please see my post, http://apothecarysgarden.com/2014/12/29/preparing-winter-
medicine-with-tree-saps/

For instructions on preparing your own tincture of Myrrh, please visit-http://apothecarysgarden.com/recipes-2/how-to-make-a-tincture-of-myrrh-for-oral-care/

Dan

Materials: Fresh Harvested Myrrh Oleoresin, Co op harvested resins, Commiphora Myrrha.