Mo Yao
Commiphora myrrha Engl.
โฏ TCM Properties
Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Alleviates Pain; Reduces Swelling; Promotes Tissue Regeneration and Heals Sores
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Commiphora myrrha (T.Nees) Engl. (Burseraceae) is a small thorny deciduous tree or large shrub 3-5 m tall native to the arid regions of the Horn of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, with knotty contorted branches, peeling papery bark, and trifoliolate leaves with a larger terminal leaflet. When the bark is wounded, a pale yellow aromatic oleo-gum-resin exudes and hardens on exposure to air into reddish-brown irregular tears known as myrrh, or Mo Yao in Chinese medicine. The resin is collected, sorted, and may be processed by dry-frying or with vinegar. In TCM, Mo Yao is bitter in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Heart, Liver, and Spleen channels; it invigorates blood, dispels stasis, alleviates pain, reduces swelling, and promotes healing of sores.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Mo Yao (myrrh resin) is a neutral, bitter herb that invigorates Blood and disperses stasis to relieve pain and promote healing. It is used for pain and swelling from traumatic injuries, for menstrual pain and irregularities from Blood stagnation, and for carbuncles and sores in both the suppurating and healing stages. Applied topically, it promotes wound healing and reduces the pain of non-healing ulcers. It is frequently paired with Ru Xiang (frankincense) for enhanced Blood-moving and pain-relieving effects.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.