Frankincense and myrrh are among the most storied aromatic materials in human history. Many people know them from the account of the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew, which mentions gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. That story is often remembered in early January around Epiphany. But these resins were valued for centuries before that, and they remain popular in aromatherapy today.
What They Are
Both frankincense and myrrh are resins, the sticky substances that ooze from certain trees when the bark is cut. As the resin dries, it hardens into small, fragrant pieces often called tears.
- Frankincense comes from trees in the genus Boswellia, which grow in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Horn of Africa and India.
- Myrrh comes from trees in the genus Commiphora, which grow in similar regions.
Harvesting is traditionally done by making careful cuts in the bark and returning later to collect the hardened resin.
The Incense Trade
In the ancient world, frankincense and myrrh were highly valued trade goods. Caravans carried them along routes connecting southern Arabia with the Mediterranean world and beyond. Historians often call this network the Incense Route. Some of the ancient cities and sites along it in present-day Oman are recognized by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage site known as the Land of Frankincense.
Both resins were burned as incense in temples and religious ceremonies across many cultures. Ancient Egyptians used myrrh in the embalming process and in perfumes. Frankincense was burned in temples and later became part of Christian liturgical traditions, where incense is still used in some churches today.
Their Fragrance
Frankincense has a fresh, slightly citrusy, resinous scent with a warm, woody depth. Myrrh is richer and earthier, often described as warm, smoky and a little bitter. Together, they create a deep, grounding aroma that many people associate with ceremony, quiet reflection and winter evenings.
Enjoying Them Today
Today, frankincense and myrrh are available as raw resin, incense and steam-distilled essential oils. Some ways people enjoy them:
- Diffusing a few drops of the oil for a short time in a quiet room
- Adding a properly diluted blend to a carrier oil for a hand massage
- Burning resin on a charcoal disc in a heat-safe burner, with good ventilation
If you burn resin or incense, be mindful of smoke, ventilate the room, keep it away from children and pets and never leave it unattended. People with asthma or breathing sensitivities may prefer to avoid smoke altogether.
A Note on Safe Use
As with all essential oils, dilute before applying to skin, patch test first and keep oils away from your eyes. Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or nursing, have health conditions or take medications, and ask your veterinarian before using oils around pets. Enjoy these resins for their scent and history rather than for any health claim.
A Link to the Past
There is something special about breathing in a fragrance that people have treasured for thousands of years. Whether you enjoy frankincense and myrrh for their history, their place in faith traditions or simply their warm aroma, they offer a quiet connection to a very long human story.