Myrrh is valuable due to its historical rarity, labor-intensive harvesting, potent medicinal and spiritual uses (like embalming, perfume, and ritual incense), and difficult cultivation outside specific arid regions, making it historically more precious than gold in some eras, with modern demand driven by aromatherapy, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Its scarcity is increasing due to overharvesting and habitat loss, raising its price and conservation concerns.
Turns out that frankincense and myrrh were indeed quite valuable, however. In ancient times, myrrh was even more valuable than gold on a unit-weight basis. But what exactly are these two substances?
Climate change is already impacting some areas. Outbreaks of a wood boring beetle has also been devastating. Populations of B. papyrifera, the main source of frankincense found in Ethiopia and Sudan, are now collapsing throughout their geographic range, according to a 2019 Nature study.
Myrrh contains chemicals that might reduce pain and kill bacteria. It's used worldwide but is especially popular in China and Egypt. People use myrrh for back pain, diarrhea, parasite infections, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Myrrh was given to Jesus by the Magi primarily to symbolize his future suffering, death, and burial, as it was an expensive spice used for embalming the dead, foreshadowing his ultimate sacrifice, with some also seeing it as representing his humanity and the bitterness of his passion, including the crown of thorns.
Myrrh gum is commonly harvested from the species Commiphora myrrha, which is native to Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea and eastern Ethiopia. Another commonly used name, Commiphora molmol, is now considered a synonym of Commiphora myrrha.
Myrrh seems safe for most people when used in small amounts. It can cause some side effects such as skin rash if applied directly to the skin, and diarrhea if taken by mouth. Large doses may be UNSAFE. Amounts greater than 2-4 grams can cause kidney irritation and heart rate changes.
Myrrh was found to be a healer of dry, wrinkled and inflamed skin, including distressed skin conditions such as eczema and boils. It was notoriously known to smooth over skin and balance uneven skin tone by fading spots and scars.
Applying frankincense oil to the soles of your feet is a traditional practice that may help you feel more balanced and calm, especially before rest.
Historically, they are considered extensive aids to intensifying concentration, devotion, and prayer, symbolizing spiritual awakening and purification. Religious people from diverse faiths used both myrrh and frankincense as incense to purify spiritual and religious places.
Frankincense, also known as olibanum (/oʊˈlɪbənəm/), is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The word is from Old French franc encens ('high-quality incense').
In Islam, burning Frankincense is a tradition that signifies purification. It also represents the presence of the divine during prayer and is a symbol of protection against negative energies.
The smoke symbolizes the burning zeal of faith that should consume all Christians, while the fragrance symbolizes Christian virtue. Incensing may also be viewed in the context of a “burnt offering” given to God.
Just as the best frankincense in the world classically comes from the Sultanate of Oman, the best myrrh in the world is harvested in Yemen.
Myrrh has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects, but studies are very limited. Myrrh is an extract of a tree gum resin that has long been used as a fragrance and as an herbal medicine.
Yes, Frankincense is typically brighter and more aromatic compared to Myrrh. Myrrh carries a heavier, earthier scent, which can feel stronger in a different way depending on how it's used.
Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in your brain and unleash your memory. Frankincense is also associated with limbic system function—the part of the brain that's in charge of your fight or flight response.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
Lavender Essential Oil
Many people use lavender oil on the bottom of their feet to help relieve stress and tension. Lavender oil is famous in the aromatherapy world for its calming effect and its ability to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
What Are The Best Essential Oils For Aging Skin?
MYRRH OIL FOR SKIN: Add 1-2 drops to your lotion or moisturizer to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In ancient wisdom, myrrh was used to purify spaces, harmonize energies, and communicate with the gods. It is also credited with aphrodisiac powers in Egypt, Greece, Rome, Japan, India, China, and the Arab world.
Conclusion: The results denote that C. molmol extract (myrrh) has significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic effects and reduces body weight gain and improves blood lipids profile.
The substances' musky plumes of smoke are most often associated with embalming, perfumes, and religious rituals around the world, including ceremonies in the ancient temples of Jerusalem and modern Roman Catholic liturgies. Beyond those uses, frankincense and myrrh may also have medicinal and psychoactive components.
Hiebert (1979: 390-91) chooses this alternative, but mixes it with the first: 'The addition of myrrh had made the wine taste bitter, giving it the taste of “gall” (Mt 27,34). It was intended to deaden the sense of pain.