Myrrh Powder-APOTHECARY GRADE

I believe that high-quality products can only be created from high-quality ingredients. If I want it done right, I have found it is best to do it myself. When bringing in powdered resins from suppliers, I never know if there are added fillers, sub-standard materials or unsellable dust and debris from the bottom of the bag. Even my best and most trustworthy suppliers do not always know the history or contents of the powders they sell.

For this reason, I always prefer to powder my resins. Though this material costs more than commercial Myrrh Powder, you are assured it is the very best quality that can be acquired. In fact, (if I may pat myself on the back), I believe there is no finer Myrrh powder on the market.

I have found, when preparing Myrrh products, I get the best results when I use a finely ground powder. But to make a good powder from fresh resin is a long and labour intensive process. This extra-fine powder will save hours of work. Fresh Myrrh contains a lot of hidden moisture. As soon as it is ground, it solidifies again and must be thoroughly dried before it can be ground finer. In fact, it must be aired out and dried with each increasingly fine grind. The drying process of Myrrh Powder is done at room temperature and can take up to a week before it is ready for the next grinding.

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.

One of the most precious commodities 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, effectively addressing issues such as inflamed sore or infected gums, post-extraction soreness or denture irritation, spongy gums, canker sores, halitosis, gingivitis, and loose teeth. A simple tincture of the raw oleoresin, or essential oil, in alcohol/water, added to a mouthwash of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon salt is one of the best treatments for most all oral issues and sore throats.

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

Myrrh is ruled Astrologically by the Moon and the sign of Cancer, considered to be feminine in nature, and has an affinity with water, ebb and flow and especially the fluid systems of our body ( Frankincense is ruled by the Sun).

In Some Somali Harvesting communities, Myrrh is harvested exclusively by the women of the clan. Frankincense is managed and performed only by men.

For a simple mouthwash for sore inflamed or irritated gums, one can place a half teaspoon of Myrrh powder in a cup, 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt, add boiling water and let sit till cool. It can then be swished in the mouth, or gargled repeatedly during the day. Excess can be kept refrigerated for a day or two. (It is bitter!)

Myrrh is a traditional and indispensable ingredient in many tooth powders. My favourite is From Herbalist Rosalee de la Foret and consists of 1 tablespoon powdered Myrrh, 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon powder and 2 teaspoons Licorice root powder. 1 Tablespoon Myrrh powder is about 10 Grams or 1/3 of an ounce.

For more 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, Myrrh Powder.