Frankincense and Myrrh: Ancient Resins with Modern Uses

A Shared History

Both resins originated in the same geographic corridor: the dry, rocky landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, extending into parts of the Indian subcontinent. The ancient incense trade — documented as far back as 3000 BCE — carried these materials northward through Arabia and westward into Egypt, the Levant, Greece, and Rome. The Nabataean Arabs grew wealthy controlling these routes; frankincense and myrrh were, by weight, comparable in value to gold.

Egyptian civilization incorporated both resins into an extraordinary range of uses. Kyphi, the ritual incense burned in temple sanctuaries, combined myrrh with frankincense alongside honey, wine, and other botanicals. Egyptian physicians prescribed myrrh for wound treatment and oral hygiene. Frankincense smoke was used in purification rites and, famously, in the mummification process — both for its antimicrobial properties and for its perceived spiritual function.

Biblical references to the pair are numerous. In the Hebrew scriptures, both appear among the ingredients of the sacred incense burned in the Tabernacle. In the New Testament, they are two of the three gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Magi — a pairing so canonical that it has anchored their cultural association ever since. The Song of Solomon describes a beloved "coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense." The Old Testament book of Nehemiah records both among the dedicated stores of the Jerusalem Temple.

In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, both resins appear across centuries of pharmacopoeias. Myrrh — known as mo yao in Chinese medicine — was valued for promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis. Frankincense (ru xiang) was similarly prescribed for pain and inflammation. The two were often combined in formulations, a practice that persists in traditional Chinese medicine to this day.

Frankincense vs. Myrrh: Botanical and Chemical Differences

Despite their shared history, frankincense and myrrh are botanically distinct and chemically quite different. Understanding these differences clarifies why they are so often used together — each brings something the other lacks.

Frankincense comes from trees of the genus Boswellia, in the family Burseraceae. The major commercial species include Boswellia sacra (Omani and Yemeni), Boswellia serrata (Indian), and Boswellia carterii (East African). A full overview of the species and their differences is covered in our guide to frankincense species. The resin is obtained by making incisions in the bark and allowing the milky sap to harden into "tears." Steam distillation of these dried tears yields the essential oil.

Myrrh comes from Commiphora trees, also in Burseraceae — making the two botanically cousins. Commiphora myrrha is the primary commercial species. Like frankincense, the resin is harvested by tapping; unlike frankincense, myrrh resin is reddish-brown and oily, with a darker, more resinous character even in its dried form.

The essential oils reflect these differences clearly. Frankincense oil is dominated by monoterpenes — principally α-pinene, limonene, and α-thujene — which give it a bright, slightly citrusy, resinous top note with a clean, slightly medicinal quality. The characteristic warmth and earthiness come from sesquiterpenes and incensole acetate. Myrrh oil, by contrast, is rich in sesquiterpenes and furanosesquiterpenes such as curzerene, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, and lindestrene. These compounds produce myrrh's distinctive profile: deep, dark, balsamic, and medicinal, with a bitter, slightly animalic depth that frankincense does not possess.

In terms of aroma, frankincense reads as lighter, more aerial, and slightly sweet or citrusy; myrrh is heavier, resinous, and complex. Blended together, they create a profile that is fuller than either alone — the bright, resinous clarity of frankincense supported by the dark, earthy base of myrrh.

Modern Uses Together

Contemporary research into both oils has produced a body of work that helps explain their traditional pairing. The well-documented properties of frankincense oil — including anti-inflammatory effects associated with boswellic acids, and potential anxiolytic properties linked to incensole acetate — complement myrrh's own studied activity, which includes antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound-healing applications documented in peer-reviewed literature.

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy practice, the two oils are frequently combined for meditation, stress reduction, and sleep support — applications that draw on both historical use and contemporary research into their effects on mood. Frankincense brings the grounding, clarifying top notes that support mental focus; myrrh contributes depth and longevity to the blend, slowing the evaporation of the lighter frankincense molecules and extending the overall aromatic experience. For those exploring aromatherapy applications, our frankincense and stress guide covers the research on inhalation and mood in more detail.

Skincare

The combination appears frequently in natural skincare formulations. Frankincense oil has been studied for effects on dermal fibroblasts and potential skin-rejuvenating properties; myrrh has documented antimicrobial activity and has historically been used in wound care. Together, they are commonly used in facial serums and balms targeting mature or damaged skin. For a deeper exploration of frankincense in skincare, see our dedicated frankincense for skin guide.

Ritual and Meditation

In contemporary contemplative practice — including yoga, meditation, and spiritual ceremonies drawing on various traditions — burning frankincense and myrrh together (either as resin on charcoal or as blended essential oil in a diffuser) remains common. The aromatic combination is associated with deepening presence and marking transitions, functions it has performed across cultures for millennia.

How to Blend Frankincense and Myrrh

Both oils blend readily, but they behave differently in formulations. Myrrh oil is viscous and can become almost solid at cool temperatures; frankincense oil is much more fluid. For practical blending, it helps to warm myrrh oil slightly (by placing the bottle in warm water) before measuring.

Diffuser Blends

A straightforward starting ratio for a diffuser is 3 parts frankincense to 1 part myrrh. Myrrh's heaviness can overwhelm a blend if overused; the 3:1 ratio keeps frankincense as the dominant note while myrrh provides grounding support. Common additions include sandalwood (for additional depth), cedarwood (earthy, woody), or a small amount of bergamot or sweet orange (to lift the top notes).

For a standard 100ml ultrasonic diffuser, 4–5 drops total is sufficient. A starting blend: 3 drops frankincense, 1 drop myrrh, 1 drop cedarwood.

Skincare and Body Blends

For topical application, both oils must be diluted in a carrier oil. Jojoba, rosehip, and argan are popular choices for facial use; fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil work well for body application. A facial serum might use frankincense at 1% and myrrh at 0.5% in a carrier — meaning for a 30ml blend, that's approximately 9 drops frankincense and 5 drops myrrh. For body use, higher concentrations are appropriate; 2–3% total dilution is standard. Full guidance on dilution ratios and application methods is available in our how to use frankincense oil guide.

Resin Burning

If working with raw resin rather than essential oil — the form used historically — both frankincense and myrrh tears can be burned together on a charcoal disc. A 2:1 ratio of frankincense to myrrh is a traditional starting point. The resulting smoke is dense and aromatic; ensure good ventilation, particularly in small spaces.

Sourcing Both Ethically

The sustainability concerns facing frankincense trees — overharvesting, habitat pressure, and the long regeneration time of Boswellia populations — apply equally to Commiphora. Myrrh-producing trees are subject to similar harvesting pressures across their range in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen.

When purchasing either oil, the same due diligence applies: look for suppliers who disclose the species, country of origin, and harvesting practices. Certifications such as FairWild, Fair Trade, or equivalent third-party audits provide some assurance that supply chains are monitored. Be skeptical of unusually low prices, which often reflect either adulterated product or unsustainable harvesting practices that externalize costs onto the source communities and ecosystems.

Our ethical sourcing guide covers the full landscape of certification standards, the geography of sustainable supply, and what questions to ask a supplier before purchasing. Both of these resins have sustained human civilization for thousands of years — their continued availability depends on how we source them now.