Myrrh

Myrrh in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Ntiu//, //Ntyw//, or //Senetjer//


 * Hieroglyphics:**



Myrrh, a resin that seeps from thorny desert trees in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen, was intensely prized in ancient Egypt for its therapeutic uses, as well as its value in perfumery and temple incense. Myrrh was chewed to purify the body, and used to promote the healing of wounds. Ointments made of myrrh were used to treat head and backaches. It was also used to embalm mummies, and burnt at funeral ceremonies.

On at least two occasions, under King Sahure and Queen Harshepsut, myrrh trees were brought to Egypt and apparently unsuccessful attempts were made to grow them there. Soot from myrrh was used to make the ink for writing an amulet inscription: "To speak over a ribbon of royal linen, inscribed with ink from the soot of the tamarisk and myrrh, being put around the neck of the glorified one on the day of his burial."

Herbs of Ancient Egypt