Mò Yào (没药) — Myrrh
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Mò Yào (没药) is the gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (myrrh). It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate the Blood and dispel Blood Stasis in the Chinese Materia Medica. In Chinese herbal medicine it is the classical partner of Rǔ Xiāng; while Rǔ Xiāng moves Qi and Blood, Mò Yào emphasises dissipating fixed Blood Stasis.
I prescribe Mò Yào as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Mò Yào |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 没药 |
| Latin name | Commiphora myrrha |
| English name | Myrrh |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Herbs that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stasis |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Invigorates the Blood, dissipates stasis and relieves pain
- Reduces swelling and promotes healing of sores
Indications
- Traumatic injury, contusion and sprain with bruising and pain
- Chronic stabbing musculoskeletal pain from Blood stasis
- Dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and postpartum lower abdominal pain
- Chronic non-healing wounds, ulcers and abscesses
- Epigastric and abdominal pain with fixed Blood stasis
4. Modern research
Myrrh contains volatile oil (furanosesquiterpenes such as furanodiene, curzerene), resins (commiphoric acids) and gums. Studies report analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and lipid-lowering effects. Furanosesquiterpenes are cytotoxic to certain tumour cell lines in vitro.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with chronic gastritis — can be irritating; consider lower doses. Mild antiplatelet effect; caution alongside anticoagulants.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Mò Yào as part of tailored herbal formulas for chronic stabbing musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical adhesion pain, dysmenorrhoea with clotted dark menstrual blood and lingering pain from old injury. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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