The power of essential oils for hay fever - Myrrh
Whenever we develop a new product, every ingredient is extensively researched and selected for its scientifically backed and longstanding use in traditional remedies.
Breaze Hay Fever support products are based on a complex functional aromatherapy formulation of 10 essential oils and botanical ingredients. Each plays an important role, and together they’re proven to help you breathe easier and sleep better when hay fever and allergies strike. ¹
In this series, we’re taking a deep dive on our functional ingredients to explain the history, heritage, and science behind each, and to show how it earned its place in our award-winning formulation.
Myrrh. Commiphora myrrha.
Myrrh is a fragrant resin, often referred to as the ‘lifeblood of the tree’, sourced from the bark of commiphora myrrha trees, native to parts of Africa and the Middle East. Harvesters make an incision in the tree bark, allowing the sap to seep out and harden into reddish-brown lumps called ‘tears’. The name Myrrh comes from the Hebrew word “murr” or “maror”, meaning bitter. True to its name, Myrrh has a complex, distinctive aroma that blends warmth, sweetness, and spice with a grounding hint of smokiness and earthiness.
Myrrh has long been recognised for its natural healing properties. It boasts antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities, making it a valuable component in oral care, skincare, and aromatherapy. Myrrh is also believed to have antioxidant and pain-relieving properties, potentially aiding in wound healing and easing pain. ²
Though commonly found in natural perfumes and face oils today, myrrh's benefits go far beyond skincare. It has a rich medicinal and spiritual history that spans thousands of years.
Myrrh has been cherished for over 5,000 years across ancient cultures, deeply rooted in tradition and appearing numerous times in ancient texts like the Bible and the Torah. Famously, it was one of the 3 gifts presented to Jesus by the Wise Men and was used in Jesus’s burial. Ancient Egyptians burnt Myrrh during the embalming process as they believed its aroma aided purification and cleansing due to its antibacterial properties. This method was adopted in Greece and Rome, where Myrrh was used during funerals to honour the deceased and ensure their smooth transition into the afterlife. ³
Myrrh's reputation as a healing resin isn’t just spiritual, it’s deeply medicinal. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Myrrh has been used for centuries to help alleviate pain and stimulate circulation by breaking down blood stagnation. ⁴ Similarly, Myrrh has a long history of use in Ayurvedic Medicine and was used to treat inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular issues, gynaecological problems and skin conditions like psoriasis. ⁵
Today, Myrrh remains a staple in the worlds of natural wellness and perfumery. You’ll find it in skincare products, candles and as a rich base note in many perfumes. But its traditional therapeutic uses are still very much alive.
A 2019 study ⁶ found mouthwash containing Myrrh was effective in treating plaque and gingivitis. In 2022, research ⁷ highlighted Myrrh’s potential anti-cancer properties, showing activity against several types of cancer cells. Topically, Myrrh can be applied to wounds, abrasions and inflamed skin. Surprisingly, it even finds its way into food as a flavouring, used in stews, marinades and traditional dishes.
Myrrh is central to our formulation for its natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Research shows Myrrh may help ease nasal congestion and headaches associated with hay fever symptoms thanks to its analgesic effects. ⁸
Whether it reminds you of a beloved fragrance, your daily mouthwash, or carries spiritual meaning for you, one thing is clear: Myrrh is far more than a cosmetic ingredient. With its blend of ancient tradition and modern-day relevance, Myrrh remains a powerful natural remedy, rich in symbolism, science, and self-care.
¹ Breaze user trial 2020 82% of users said that Breaze helped with hay fever symptoms
² https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9672555/
⁴ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874112003352
⁵ https://www.nutrafoods.eu/index.php/nutra/article/download/169/141/322
⁷ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9416713/
⁸ https://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2695-50752020000300017