Frankincense and Myrrh: Information and Religious Impact of the Spices

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What are Frankincense and Myrrh?

Often associated with spiritual or religious connotations, frankincense and myrrh are two aromatic herbs that are also thought to have medicinal properties. Though they can be used for a variety of purposes independent of each other, the aromas blend well together and are often used in conjunction with one another.

Where Frankincense and Myrrh are Grown

Frankincense and myrrh belong to the botanical family of Burseraceae, and can be found growing on small trees and shrubs. Frankincense belongs to the primary species of Boswella Caraterii, while myrrh is a part of the Commiphora Myrrha species family. It is believed that the Arabian peninsula was the place where this botanical group originated, though India, China, and Egypt have all been known to grow the shrubs on which frankincense and myrrh can be found. Today, most of the frankincense and myrrh is produced in the southern Arabian peninsulas of Oman and Yemen, with the northeast African country of Somalia producing the herbs, as well.

Other species of frankincense come from Boswellia carterii and Boswellia sacra, and other myrrh plants include Commiphora myrrha and Commiphora molmol. Boswellia frereana, Boswellia serrata, Commiphorra mukul, Commiphora erythraea, and Commiphora kataf are additional species of both herbs and are produced mostly in Arabia, Somalia, and in parts of India.

Growing and Harvesting Frankincense and Myrrh

The climate in which frankincense and myrrh can grow must be exactly right. The trees on which the herbs appear prefer dry climates and hot, tropical sun. Soil is also an important aspect of growing frankincense and myrrh, with a limestone soil being ideal for the growth of frankincense, and basaltic soil is preferrable for the growing of myrrh. Both herbs need salty air that is carried via the winds off the Arabian sea.

Frankincense and myrrh are harvest from a resinous material. The harvesting is done through a method called “tapping,” which involves chipping away at the bark on the tree. A small tool, measuring approximately two inches, or the sharp blade of an axe, is used to make small incisions in the bark. A milky liquid, or sap, is excreted through the surface of the tree. Once exposed to the air, the sap hardens into lumps of varying colors. At this stage, Frankincense can be identified by the translucent yellow color of the lumps, while myrrh will be signified by the reddish brown color. The resin is allowed to sit for two weeks before it is completely harvested. Different geographical regions all have different methods and customs for extracting the herbs from the resin, and the species type will also play a role in how they are harvested.

Frankincense and Myrrh in Religious Contexts

Biblically, frankincense and myrrh were included in the instructions to Moses as key ingredients for incense in holy acts, including as part of a sacred annoiting oil. In the Song of Songs, King Solomon also refers to the unique properties of the two herbs. The religious connotation of frankincense and myrrh is often associated with the magi bringing them as gifts. Frankincense was said to symbolize aspects of divinity though religious ritual. Myrrh, on the other hand, was often used as a symbol of death because it was used to embalm the pharaohs of Egypt.

The Modern-day Uses for Frankincense and Myrrh

In addition to the religious uses of frankincense and myrrh, the two aromas are often used as perfumes and in some cosmetics. In addition, frankincense and myrrh are commonly found in incense blends and natural insect repellents.There are also several ways that frankincense and myrrh are used in a medicinal fashion. Their anti-inflammatory properties are used in natural mouthwashes and oral rinses, and sometimes in sleep aids or calming agents.

Chinese medicine uses frankincense and myrrh extensively, particularly in herbal formulas to ease stomach ailments, such as indigestion.Additionally the Chinese also use the herbs in moderate quantities to help stimulate blood flow, and as dietary and herbal supplements. The two herbs are also used in aromatherapy treatments, where the smoky aroma is considered to be calming and healing.

Resources about Frankincense and Myrrh

itmonline.org MYRRH AND FRANKINCENSE by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Illinois) information about Frankincense and Myrrh.

UCLA.edu’s background on the spices called Frankincense and Myrrh.

Resource by AnnaBelle

Annalise Kaylor is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant specializing in search engine optimized content for the web. As a writer, her work has appeared across the United States in print ads for Whirlpool, Maytag, Home Depot, and Lowe's, among others. As a consultant, she has worked primarily in the education sector, helping universities increase their web visibility and construct and implement social media strategy. Annalise is an avid reader, knitter, organic gardener and baker, as well as the author of the popular baking blog, Knead To Be Loaved. Annalise enjoys fly fishing, camping, and hiking.

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