THE ANOINTING OIL OF THE GODS:

5 min readApr 8, 2024

MIRRH (CHRISM), or “AL-MYROUN”

INTRODUCTION

Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the Commiphora Myrrha species, mostly known as Commiphora Molmol commonly called Myrrh. It is a thorny shrub up to three meters high that is specifically native to Yemen but can also be found in Southern Arabia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Namibia, and Kenya. This genus comprises 190 to 200 species of woody shrubs and trees that grow in subtropical and tropical hot and dry weather. It has always been in short supply and high demand.

Myrrh is harvested by incising the tree to ‘bleed’ its gum, a waxy resin that coagulates rapidly and becomes hard and glossy after the harvest. It is clear or opaque, fragrant, and has a red-brown coloration as it ages. This bitter-tasting gum resin is primarily used in making incense and perfumes and has medicinal virtues.

The leaves in myrrh are pinnately compound and not unifoliolate. Many species are armed with spines. The bark exfoliates, peeling in thin sheets to reveal colorful, sometimes photosynthetic bark.

The scent of myrrh is indescribable in words, it is complex and rich. Its fragrance is rich and spicy, with a resinous warmth. It is often combined with base notes, giving a sense of exoticism, mystery, and sophistication. It is described as balsamic, spicy, and with a smokey odor.

HISTORY & BENEFITS

The Phoenicians were the first traders of Myrrh and spices from the Arabian Peninsula and India. (It is said that the name “India” in the ancient Phoenician language means spices). As a result, Myrrh has been used for close to 7,000 years and has become an essential ingredient in traditional medicine.

Since its use by the ancient Phoenician priests, it became among the first perfumed incense used in prayer and perfumery. Priests and believers alike considered that its smoke cleared the air and transcended the barrier between earth and heaven.

According to the Greek writer Herodotus, the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense and Myrrh to prepare animal sacrifices and embalm their dead. Another famous Roman historian confirmed that Myrrh made the Arabians the richest people in the world during the days of Jesus. The resin was more valued than gold because it was so rare and the journey to obtain it through the desert was perilous.

By the 3rd century BC, the ancient Hebrews incorporated the resin into their ceremonies, using it in their temple worship, and as an ingredient in anointing oil for special ceremonies such as the consecration of priests, appointing kings, and in the tabernacle (Exodus 30:23–25). It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (John 19:39). The Christians of the East maintain the same ancient traditions to the present day. God is said to have given Moses instructions on the ingredients to use when making the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30:22–25). They included (in Shekels): 500 of Myrrh, 250 of sweet-smelling cinnamon, 500 of cassia, and 250 of aromatic cane (Targum Onkelos, or Q’nei Husma in Aramaic), with a little olive oil.

Chrism/Myrrh/Myron is used in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Assyrian churches of the East; and the Nordic Lutheran, Anglican, and Old Catholic churches of the West. It is applied as a holy anointing and consecrated oil in the administration of sacraments and ecclesiastical rites. The priest blesses Holy Chrism by blending Myrrh (the aroma of Christ) with olive oil (the aroma of the Holy Spirit). He blesses Catechumens in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. He applies it during severe illness or as Holy Unction at the ‘final hour’.

Irenaeus says that the gifts of the 3 Maggi signify the mystery of the Incarnate Word -God becoming man for His Divine message of salvation for the world. Gold is the symbol of royalty representing Jesus’ Kingship. Frankincense is used in worship by the High Priest, pointing to His Divinity; and Myrrh represents His Humanity, particularly through His Crucifixion and Death. Confirming that Jesus Anointed as the Divine. (Against Heresies, 3, 9, 2). To conclude, only a King of kings would receive these three gifts simultaneously.

Myrrh is known for its therapeutic properties. Its essential oil has a long history of use in apothecaries and is prized for its beneficial health remedies. It contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal natural chemicals, eliminating bacteria and reducing pain. It is used worldwide, but most prominently in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), and Egypt since ancient times. It is used for wound treatments, inflammations, severe aches and pains, parasitic infections, obesity, and gastrointestinal diseases. Its target use is for indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis. It is also used as a stimulant and to facilitate menstrual cycles.

Myrrh provides healthy skin. It reduces the signs of aging through the fine thread lines, and other deep wrinkles, making it ideal as a skincare ingredient. It soothes skin ailments such as acne, sores, and dryness, rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin.

Although Myrrh oil can be inhaled and applied topically, it cannot be ingested orally.