Myrrh

Myrrh (the term is derived from the Aramaic murr, meaning "bitter".) is the dried oleo gum resin of a number of Commiphora or dhidin species of trees. The Myrrh trees are small or low thorny shrubs that grow in rocky terrain - in Saudi Arabia (among other countries). Like frankincense, it is produced by the tree as a reaction to a purposeful wound through the bark and into the sapwood. The trees are bled in this way on a regular basis. When at the tree, myrrh is waxy and brittle, but after the resin is collected into large bales it becomes a dry, hard and glossy substance that can be clear or opaque, and vary in colour depending on aging from yellowish to almost black, with white streaks.

So valuable has it been at times in ancient history that it has been equal in weight value to gold. During times of scarcity its value rose even higher than that.It has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. In a pharmacy, myrrh is used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes for prevention and treatment of gum disease. Myrrh is currently used in some liniments and healing salves that may be applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. Myrrh has also been recommended as an analgesic for toothaches, and can be used in liniment for bruises, aches, and sprains. (source: wikipedia)

Saudi women use myrrh to prepare beauty masques, tonics and intimate feminine wash used during menstruation. 

Pieces of myrrh are always carefully washed before being used. 

MASQUE: 1 tbs tahina + 1/2 tbs myrrh (smashed); mix, keep on the face - good for spots, removes excess oil

TONIC - I small bottle of water, 1-2 pieces (not dark ones) myrrh, cleaned under running water; leave it in the bottle, shake well till it dissolves, clean the face - it is supposed to give tightening effect, after one hour wash the face with water

INTIMATE FEMININE WASH: Dissolve 1-2 big pieces of myrrh in 1 litre of water, wash private parts during menstruation, use within 2 weeks (keeping in the fridge up to 4 weeks). Some women experience reddening of intimate parts and itching (side effects).