Myrrh Tree Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 4,550 found this helpful
Myrrh Tree
1

No confirmed poisoning cases (human or animal) from myrrh tree ingestion have been published in peer-reviewed scientific literature.

2

Despite no known toxicity, myrrh tree plant material is explicitly not recommended for use as feed for any domestic animal species.

3

Non-toxic closely related Commiphora species may be visually confused with the common myrrh tree.

FAQ

Is Myrrh Tree toxic to Humans?

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Myrrh Tree toxic to Cats?

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Myrrh Tree toxic to Dogs?

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date. (Non-toxic)

Is Myrrh Tree toxic to Horses?

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date. (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans
Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date.

Cats
Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date.

Dogs
Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date.

Horses
Non-toxic

No documented poisoning symptoms from this plant have been reported in available scientific literature to date.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo specific toxic plant parts have been identified; all plant material is not recommended for animal consumption.
Exposure RoutePrimary exposure risk is accidental ingestion of plant material by pets or grazing livestock; no dermal or inhalation toxicity has been reported.
Toxic CompoundsNo toxic bioactive compounds specific to Commiphora myrrha have been linked to adverse health effects in humans or animals to date.

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

  • • Remove any remaining myrrh tree material from the animal's mouth and surrounding area
  • • Offer small amounts of fresh water to flush residual plant matter from the oral cavity
  • • Monitor the animal closely for unusual behavior or physical changes for 24 hours post-ingestion

Contact Vet Immediately

  • • If the animal displays gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss) after ingesting large quantities of plant material
  • • If any unusual symptoms develop within 48 hours of observed myrrh tree ingestion
  • • If you cannot confirm the plant species and suspect consumption of a toxic lookalike

Prevention

  • • Do not use myrrh tree plant material as feed for any domestic pet or livestock species
  • • Label myrrh tree plantings clearly to avoid accidental harvesting for animal feed
  • • Restrict livestock access to myrrh tree growing areas to prevent unintended consumption

Treatment & Prognosis

  • • Provide supportive care as the primary intervention if adverse reactions occur
  • • Administer veterinarian-recommended gastrointestinal protectants if vomiting or diarrhea presents
  • • Rule out exposure to other toxic substances if unexpected symptoms develop
Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameCommiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.
AliasesMyrrha、Gum myrrh、Common myrrh、Myrrhenbaum (German)、Arbre à myrrhe (French)、Mirra (Italian)
Toxicity Grade
HumansNon-toxic
CatsNon-toxic
DogsNon-toxic
HorsesNon-toxic
Target Organs
No specific target organs have been associated with adverse effects from this plant species
Mechanism of Action

• No specific toxic mechanism has been identified for Commiphora myrrha, as no confirmed poisoning events have been documented

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep, and goats: No poisoning cases reported, but ingestion is not recommended as plant material is not suitable for feed
Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): No adverse effects documented, but large quantity ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort
Birds: No toxicity reports available; avoid offering as feed as a precautionary measure
Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Commiphora species Commiphora spp. (excluding Commiphora myrrha)
Other Commiphora species are morphologically similar to common myrrh; most are confirmed non-toxic and may be safely used as animal feed in some regions, unlike C. myrrha which is not recommended for feed use
Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

African myrrh
Commiphora africana
Moderate toxicity
Black dammar
Canarium strictum
Low toxicity
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
Moderate toxicity

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Download on the App Store

Data Sources

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

View Full Plant Wiki Care Guide Plant ID Uses & Culture
PlantFun

PlantFun

⭐ 4.9 rating · AI toxicity check

Get App