Myrrh (Aggregated lumps, rough reddish-brown, oily luster translucent, hard and brittle granular)

Myrrh (Mixed with small white dots or lines, peculiar aroma, bitter and pungent, sticky when chewed)

Vinegar-fried Myrrh

Calcined Myrrh

【Naming】

Myrrh

 【Source】

Song Kaibao

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

Oleaceae family Myrrh tree Commiphora myrrha Eng1. or Ehrenberg Myrrh tree Balsamo- dendron ehrenbergianum Berg.’s stem bark oozing oleo-gum resin.

 【Characteristics】

The dried gum resin is in irregular granular form or adheres into lumps of varying sizes, generally about 2.5 cm in diameter, some up to 10 cm, reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, with a rough surface covered with dust. It is hard and brittle, and the fractured surface is in irregular granules with a brownish oily luster, and is mixed with small white dots or lines. Thin slices are translucent or nearly transparent. It becomes a yellow milky liquid when ground with water. The odor is faint and aromatic, and the taste is bitter and slightly pungent.

 【Processing】

1. Raw Myrrh 2. Processed Myrrh

 【Identification】

《Essentials of Materia Medica》: “Produced in the South Seas, the reddish color resembling amber is good, and the treatment is the same as frankincense.” 《Hui Zhitang’s Experienced Prescriptions》: “Myrrh, the ones shaped like a monk’s head are the best.”
The best are those with large pieces, brownish-red color, strong aroma, and few impurities.

 【Category】

Resins