Beginning aromatherapists are often enthralled with aromatics from rare and perhaps mysterious sources. While we all know where lavender comes from and what to do with it, many of us aren’t so sure about frankincense and myrrh. We know they’ve been treasures of a kind since antiquity, but what are these materials really, and how can we be using them now? Here’s a look at the resins and oils of frankincense and myrrh, and their great many uses to be had in our daily lives.
First off, these are unusual substances as essential oils as they’re distilled from the dried sap of trees and shrubs. It is the dried sap, or resin, from particular trees that bear the name “frankincense” or “myrrh”, not the trees themselves. The resins are collected by making incisions with a knife called a “mingaf”, and the sap allowed to flow. The final dried resin appears as small chunks, sometimes shaped as tears (naturally from the way the resin flowed and dried from the tree) or otherwise small round pellets known as “pearls”. The resins are actually the means of the trees healing themselves, which may clarify their natural healing powers for us as well.
Frankincense is collected from trees of Boswellia genus, commonly referred to as “olibanum”. There are several species from which the resin is captured, each with moderately differing aromas and medicinal properties. Myrrh is classically collected from the Commiphora myrrha tree, though recently resin from the gileadensis species is also being used as myrrh. All these plants have a tough and hearty appearance, indicative of their native north Africa regions.
Both frankincense and myrrh have very long histories of use, dating back several thousand years — with a recorded history not much older than mankind itself. Both have been burned as incense for purification purposes, again both medicinally and spiritually. Burning frankincense is the classic scent of the Catholic church, at one time being an important fumigant during times of plague. The name frankincense is actually a combination of ancient terms meaning “pure smoke”. Today, one can still burn these resins as incense, or diffuse the essential oils themselves.
The essential oils are the steam distillates of the resins. The resin is placed in a chamber and steam passed through — the steam is collected and the oil and water separated. More recently, these oils are both available as CO2 extracts, where pressurized liquid carbon dioxide is used in place of water. The result is an oil more closely resembling the original resin, both aromatically and medicinally. So when selecting an essential oil of Myrrh or Frankincense, choose any for aromatic purposes — steam or CO2 distilled — whichever you prefer. For medicinal properties of a chemical nature, the CO2’s are preferred, and for medicinal properties of a vibrational nature, the steam distillates may be the best choice — let your intuition guide you here!
The essential oils share two main therapeutic applications: they’re considered, along with sandalwood, the greatest of the “meditation aides” in aromatherapy. Their long chain “sesquiterpene” molecules interact with the pineal gland, also sometimes referred to as the “third eye”. This part of the brain is associated with spiritual insight, as well as regulating our bodies functions in relation to the cycles of day and night. Both oils are also used for prevention and treatment of aging skin — they have been shown, with regular use, to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture.
Myrrh’s primary role is as an antiseptic. The most common form is a tincture of alcohol and the resin itself, used to treat ulcers inside the mouth. The powdered dried resin is also used to treat tooth and gum infections: combine with slippery elm bark powder, moisten and “pack” in place around the base of the affected tooth. Many people have had nearly miraculous results with this preparation when treating excruciatingly painful toothaches.
The primary medicinal uses of frankincense essential oil surround its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune system stimulating effects. The oil and resin have been the subject of scientific inquiry into their potentials as cancer treatments — with positive results. Frankincense is able to eradicate cancerous cells, while leaving other cells unharmed. The oil is also considered to be an immune system tonic, enhancing its action in overcoming illness.
Frankincense is also the source of boswellic acids, which have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory activity. For this use, frankincense essential oil can be included in arthritis, joint care, and pain relieving blends at concentrations up to 5%. It will synergize well with other anti-inflammatory essential oils such as ginger and German chamomile.
You’ll find more on both these ancient healing materials in many aromatherapy guides, natural healing texts and around the internet. They’re both wonderful to have around — the resins are fairly inexpensive; the essential oils a little more costly, but a little goes a long way. If you haven’t tried them yet, you may find them an absolutely wonderful addition to your health, wellness, and possibly more esoteric programs.
The Ananda Apothecary carries some profoundly therapeutic essential oils, including Corsican helichrysum essential oil — and geranium essential oil.