Frankincense and myrrh are iconic essential oils that have captivated people for centuries. They are intricately linked throughout history in ancient rituals, spiritual practices, traditional medicine and are known for their grounding and centering effects. Today each of these essential oils plays an important part in holistic wellness where they’re cherished for their soothing aromas skin care benefits and historical significance.
This blog is all about frankincense and myrrh benefits and how to use each one.
Finding Strength in Trees
Frankincense and myrrh both come from hardy trees that thrive in dry, mountainous regions. Frankincense is sourced from the resin of Boswellia trees, while myrrh, on the other hand, comes from the resin of the Commiphora tree. Both trees are revered for their resilience and the unique compounds they produce, making their resins especially potent in essential oil form.
Essential Oil Extraction
Obtaining essential oils for frankincense and myrrh involves tapping or scarring the tree to release the resin, which is allowed to harden on the tree trunk and is then collected for essential oil production. Both resins are then steam distilled to produce an essential oil. Frankincense is also solvent extracted, in particular for research purposes as the chemical components are slightly different.
The consistency of myrrh essential oil is much thicker than frankincense. While frankincense provides a lighter, woody aroma, myrrh leans more in the direction of being a strong earthy and smoky tone. Myrrh tends to be a deeper note which is beautiful on its own but you may find it’s need lightening up a bit with a middle or top note.
Chemical Makeup
Frankincense essential oil can contain a high percentage of monoterpenes whereas myrrh essential oil can contain a high percentage of sesquiterpenes. These chemical families are similar, both being antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. However, the monoterpene family are lighter oils prone to faster oxidation, whereas the sesquiterpene family are generally thicker, deeper oils that oxidize a bit more slowly.
Skincare
Frankincense essential oil can be very beneficial in skincare, especially for aging skin or acne. Myrrh can also be helpful in skincare for both of these concerns. As we age and our skin concerns begin to change, a combination of both of these oils becomes a dynamic duo, with the lighter molecules of frankincense provide rejuvenation, the heavier myrrh molecules provide soothing for dry and chapped skin.
Wounds and Healing The Skin
Although both frankincense and myrrh may be beneficial for wound healing, myrrh inches out ahead in this category. Myrrh may be soothing for dry, chapped, irritated skin and it may help soothe specific conditions such as eczema.
Oral Hygiene
Myrrh has been used in dentistry for years as an analgesic. Myrrh’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action may be beneficial in combating bacteria, and helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. It has also been shown in studies to be beneficial for healing after tooth extraction.
Diffusing Blends
It is usually recommended that thicker essential oils be avoided in ultrasonic (water based) essential oil diffusers. Frankincense is the winner here. Whether it’s an air cleanser blend, meditation, relaxation or getting ready for the holidays, reach for frankincense to help extend the shelf life of your diffuser.
Headache Relief
Both frankincense and myrrh can provide a relief of tension which may be beneficial to those who suffer from headaches. Place one or two drops of the essential oil onto a tissue and inhale. Or try placing one or two drops of the essential oil of your choice onto a clay diffuser which you can keep on a table beside you in your office or on your night stand before bed for example. When it comes to relieving the tension that causes a headache the choice is yours.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
While frankincense is very well known to provide calming to the system and relaxation benefits, the sesquiterpenes in myrrh also provide relaxation. I recommend blending frankincense with another one of your favourite oils such as rose or orange for a relaxing afternoon. Myrrh blended with a small dilution of ylang ylang may be beneficial for stress and anxiety.
Muscle Pain
Both frankincense and myrrh contain analgesic properties which may make it beneficial for muscle pain. Myrrh may also provide a bit of warmth. If you are looking to create a massage blend or a muscle relief blend, either of these essential oils would be a good choice, especially to help deliver a deep, relaxing and stress relieving scent.
Spirituality
Frankincense and myrrh are some of the most spiritual essential oils that have been used and written about. For centuries, the resins have been used to purify a space. Add a few drops of frankincense or myrrh to your liquid smudge mist.
The deep tones of myrrh support the root chakra and can be beneficial when working on healing the lower chakras. Frankincense is a chakra connector which can be used in combination for healing any chakra, or placed into an overall chakra healing blend.
Frankincense and myrrh were some of the most precious commodities at the time of the birth of Jesus, and may have been more precious (or at least as precious) than gold. They form 2 of the 3 precious gifts given to the baby Jesus from the wise men who travelled to see him.
Perfuming
Frankincense and myrrh would both make great fixatives in perfuming, however, the lighter touch of frankincense may make it a more versatile choice, so as to not overpower your blend. The viscosity of frankincense may also allow it to be more easily dispersed depending on the rest of your formulation.
Pricing
The price of essential oils fluctuates overtime depending on yield or how difficult the essential oil is to obtain among other reasons. Although this information can change at anytime as I look at the pricing today frankincense essential oil is less expensive than myrrh by about one third.
Scent profile
Depending on the scent that you are looking for in your blend myrrh is a much deeper scent than frankincense. This may be why frankincense is more encouraged for relaxation practices. When we inhale frankincense we naturally take in a very deep breath which is more difficult to do with the deeper earthy scent of myrrh. As frankincense naturally encourages us to take a deep breath in, this pairs well with the practice of deep breathing for relaxation, yoga and meditation.
Safety Considerations
Do not use these essential oils with kids under 2 years of age. Consult a professional before using these oils with kids under 10. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Always do a patch test before trying any new product. If any irritation occurs during use consult a medical professional. Store your essential oils in dark amber bottles in a cool space.
Frankincense and myrrh are two essential oils with similar benefits. For many applications there is one oil that is slightly stronger than the other, however, if you resonate with one of these oils in particular you can use it in a blend instead of the other, with the exception of the safety considerations.
For specific recipes using frankincense and myrrh, check this blog here!
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Further reading
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7801243/
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