For over 5,000 years, these two aromatic resins have been revered not just as perfumes, but as profound spiritual tools and commodities more valuable than gold. Their legacy is famously captured in the biblical account of the Magi, who traveled from the East to present gifts to the infant Jesus. While gold symbolized kingship, frankincense represented divinity, and myrrh symbolized the sanctity of the physical body.

Frankincense: The "King of Oils"

Frankincense, also known as Olibanum, is an oleo-gum-resin derived from trees of the genus Boswellia. It was a staple in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman religious rites.

Botanical Origins and Varieties

The primary source is the hardy Boswellia tree, which thrives in the arid landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. There are several distinct species:

• Boswellia sacra (Oman): Often considered the highest quality, producing the prized "Hojari" resin, rich in the monoterpene α-pinene.
• Boswellia carterii (Somalia): A major commercial source, chemically similar to B. sacra.
• Boswellia serrata (India): Known as Indian Frankincense, it is distinct for its high content of α-thujene and is the primary source of boswellic acids used in modern supplements.

Chemistry and Traditional Uses

Frankincense is composed of a volatile essential oil (rich in α-pinene and limonene) and non-volatile resin acids (like boswellic acids). The essential oil is prized for its traditional uses:

• Soothing for the Body: Traditionally, extracts rich in boswellic acids were used in topical preparations to soothe physical discomfort in joints and promote a feeling of ease and mobility.
• Aromatic Uplift: Used as incense for millennia to purify the air, the essential oil's aroma helps promote a feeling of deep, clear, and calm breathing.
• Spiritual Grounding: The aroma is believed to help quiet the mind, promoting a state of deep meditation and spiritual connection.

Myrrh: The Resin of Resilience

Myrrh is the dried oleo-gum-resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree. Its name comes from the Arabic word "murr," meaning bitter. In ancient times, it was famously used for embalming and as a traditional remedy for cleansing and purifying.

Botanical Origins and Chemistry

Myrrh comes from a thorny shrub native to the same arid regions as frankincense. Its essential oil is chemically distinct, dominated by furanosesquiterpenes (like furanoeudesma-1,3-diene and curzerene), which are responsible for its unique, bitter, and earthy aroma.

Traditional Uses & Properties

• Powerful Purifier: Myrrh has a long history of use as a powerful cleansing agent. Its aroma is sharp and purifying, making it a staple in blends intended to create a clean and sacred atmosphere.
• Oral Care: Due to its cleansing properties, myrrh is a traditional ingredient in mouth rinses to freshen breath and promote a feeling of clean, healthy gums.
• Skin Soother: Topically, myrrh was traditionally applied to soothe and comfort minor skin irritations.
• Comforting for Discomfort: Myrrh has traditionally been used in topical blends to provide a warming, comforting sensation to areas of physical discomfort.