Myrrh grows as a shrub in desert regions, particularly in northeastern Africa and the Middle East. Myrrh is an aromatic spiny shrub with yellow-red flowers, followed by pointed, ellipsoid fruits. Resin, the gum, and the volatile oil are the three main constituents of myrrh. All of these are important in myrrhs activity as an herbal medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine it is being used for its rejuvenating properties. It has a long history of external application, to treat infected wounds, bronchial complaints, sinusitis and slight skin inflammations, as well as inflammation of the throat, gums and mouth, including mouth ulcers, gingivitis and stomatitis. Myrrh is a common ingredient of toothpowders, and is used with borax in tincture, with other ingredients, as a mouth-wash. It is also widely used as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes and a flavor component in food products such as candy, baked goods etc.