Myrrh Oil–An Ancient Egyptian Secret for SunScreen
Jun 23rd, 2009 by lindasmith
If you looked at the chemistry of myrrh essential oil you would guess that it is phototoxic because it has furanoid compounds which are known to cause phototoxicity. But on the contrary, the Ancient Egyptians used myrrh oil liberally on their skin to protect against the harsh desert sun.
Myrrh Oil Was One of the First Essential Oil Medicines
What is the secret ingredient in the chemistry that makes it possible for myrrh oil to be considered a sunscreen? It’s the sesquiterpenes which quench the furanoids. In fact myrrh was their secret to soft, supple skin even in this hot climate. The fact that the sesquiterpenes quenched the phototoxic effects is an example of synergy where the effects of one compound can change the behavior of another, making it behave.
Myrrh oil can help you have a safe time in the sun this summer. So don’t forget your sunscreen! it’s best if you dilute it 20-80 with a good vegetable oil and then gently rub it on your face, hands, arms–anywhere you want sun protection.
PS: Want to know how you can get therapeutic grade myrrh oil that is not only safe to use but meets all of the standards set by the French Masters? Go to http://www.YoungLiving.com/HTSMsmith to order yours today.
PSS: How would you like to learn more about essential oils and how they can help you stay healthy? Go to http://www.ISHAhealing.com to find out how you can take courses on aromatherapy throughout the United States.
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Great blog! Do yo know which sesquiterpene components provide the quenching effect? I have been curious about this but have not found any specific information.
Thanks!
Dear Andrea, great question. Actually all terpenes have the ability to quench the effects of more errant components like aldehydes and phenols. My understanding is that it is not specific monoterpenes or sesquiterpenes but the amount that is important in an essential oil mixture. For example, geranial, neral and citronellal are all powerful skin irritants if we isolated these compounds. Together they comprise about 5% of lemon oil. When these compounds are applied in the whole lemon oil their abrasive personality is mellowed by the presence of monoterpenes–mostly d-limonene.