Both frankincense and myrrh hold unique positions in the realm of natural healing. They both have extensive histories, of medicine intertwined with spirituality. Even now, modern science is investigating their medicinal values, with very positive results. Yet for many newcomers to aromatherapy and natural health, these aromatic plant medicines are somewhat mysterious.
The first unique thing about both these essential oils is their source: they’re both distilled from dried resin — essentially the collected sap of trees. Frankincense and myrrh are the proper terms for the dried resin from each tree (or shrub) itself, while the actual plants are called by different names. The resin is collected by catching it as it exudes from wounds in the trees — the resin’s production is actually a healing activity of the plant, sealing its wounds. Collection of the resin is considered not harmful, and can go on throughout the life of the tree. The dried resin forms into little balls, sometimes called “tears” or “pearls”.
There are no frankincense trees or myrrh trees per se. The trees and shrubs, found in desert regions of northern Africa (and as widespread as western India) are rough in appearance — looking very “at home” in their dry environments. Frankincense is collected from one of several species of Olibanum trees, and myrrh primarily from the Commiphora myrrha tree.
The resins have been held in very high regard for many thousands of years. Their uses weave together the spiritual and medicinal. The smoke of burning frankincense has been a purifying agent for many religious rituals — and indeed the smoke has antimicrobial properties, and its aroma invokes a stillness of the mind. Its name is derived from the Old French term “frank”, meaning pure or free. Myrrh as an incense has an ancient history as well, being one of the earliest recorded aromatics, used over four thousand years ago.
The essential oils of frankincense and myrrh can be more easily incorporated in therapeutic preparations than the resins. Their liquid nature is easily combined in massage or skin care preparations. And you’ll actually find several types of essential oils — with the new advent of distilling with pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, these oils are available as “CO2′s”, which in the case of these oils may have more potent healing effects than their steam distilled relatives. The reason being is the CO2 process brings more of the natural resin material into the oil, whereas steam distillation only brings the most volatile (easily evaporated) molecules.
The healing properties of frankincense and myrrh essential oils overlap in some places, and are quite unique in others. Both oils are high in sesquiterpenes, large molecules thought to stimulate the pineal gland — a part of our brains associated with spiritual insight — also called the “third eye”. Applying a drop of either of the oils to the center of the forehead is a common practice for those using essential oils to support meditation. Both oils are used in anti-aging skin care preparations as well. Frankincense has some scientific backing for wrinkle reduction, and myrrh was used for this purpose as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Either oil can be included in daily skin care formulas at concentrations between .5 and 1 percent of the total mixture.
Myrrh is commonly used for its anti-infectious properties. It has a long history of use for treating ulcers of all kinds, and specifically for those inside the mouth. For painful gum infections, a poultice can be made of powdered myrrh resin or CO2 oil, slippery elm bark powder, and a sprinkling of antibacterial essential oils. A ball of this is packed in place at the site of the wound, and replaced every hour or so until the infection is pulled to the surface. A tincture containing approximately 20% resin dissolved in alcohol is a popular natural antiseptic. This tincture can be used as an antiseptic for the mouth cavity. The CO2 extract of the resin is the oil of choice for a similar effect.
Frankincense has been the subject of a significant amount of scientific research in the last decade. It has shown the ability to destroy cancerous cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Scientific inquiry into this activity is still at its earliest stages, and as of yet, protocols for its use have not been developed. Interestingly, the oil has been noted as one of the primary immune-system support aromatics in aromatherapy, by improving one’s sense of well-being. Clearly incorporating its use in one’s health and wellness program as a preventative measure is worth looking into.
Components in the CO2 oil are known “COX-2″ inhibitors, meaning that they prevent production of certain enzymes which cause inflammation. This makes the oil an excellent addition to formulas for reducing pain and inflammation of the joints.
This is just a brief look at these mysterious resins of antiquity. With the availability of their liquid extracts, they’ve become very easy for the aromatherapy and natural health enthusiast to make use of on a regular basis. They’re both considered very important healers: myrrh being a potent antiseptic and frankincense supporting immune function in many ways. Both have a more esoteric side as well, which still in fact leaves a little bit of mystery to their use.
The author is a natural health practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. She is a regular user of therapeutic aromatherapy techniques and consultant to aromatherapy creations at The Ananda Apothecary, makers of pure and natural essential oils.
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