Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a few small, thorny tree species of the Commiphora genus, belonging to the Burseraceae family. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history in medicine, perfumery, and incenses. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Commiphora myrrha tree, one of the primary trees from which myrrh is harvested
Commiphora gileadensis (listed as "Balsamodendron ehrenbergianum")
An old bottle of Tincture of Myrrh
In polymer chemistry and materials science, a resin is a solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin that is typically convertible into polymers. Resins are usually mixtures of organic compounds. This article focuses mainly on naturally occurring resins.
Insect trapped in resin
Cedar of Lebanon cone showing flecks of resin as used in the mummification of Egyptian Pharaohs
Extremely viscous resin extruding from the trunk of a mature Araucaria columnaris.
The material dripping from an almond tree looks confusingly like resin, but actually is a gum or mucilage, and chemically very different.