What was the true value of Frankincense and Myrrh?

I wanted to make a simple Instagram post about Frankincense and Myrrh for the holidays. Truth be told, I am not particularly religious, but I love learning about how everything connects and boy, oh boy, these two tree resins from the Middle East/North Africa/ India region have quite the history. This was supposed to be a: “Here are the basic uses for the ancient gifts of the three wise men.” Now, I am ten history and medical research articles deep into how unique and helpful these gifts were for a small family of a newborn temporarily residing with a bunch of animals in a manger. 

The practical uses of Frankincense and Myrrh overlap quite a bit. They are both anti-inflammatory and can support the gastrointestinal system and lungs. Myrrh is knkwn to be more antimicrobial/ antiparasitic, whereas Frankincense is more widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. And if you want to dig deeper different species of Frankincense (Boswellia sp.) target different parts of the body.  

It makes sense; A woman freshly postpartum with no plumbing or refrigeration is being given the gift of health. During a time when death wasn’t easy to avoid aroundchildbirth, they wanted to keep these important people alive and healthy. 

Not only that, but Frankincense was noted as a beauty product. The charred incense could be used as eye kohl, and frankincense-infused oil is still used for hair and scalp health. Myrrh and frankincense could both be chewed in small amounts to support oral health and cover up bad breath. For people who don’t have toothbrushes, this was a big deal.

If you’ve ever given birth, you know the value of postpartum self-care. I like to imagine Mary receiving these gifts, looking ragged and exhausted after surviving childbirth in a very unhygenic space, lighting up to see the gifts that will keep her healthy, safe, and beautiful. Some people claim these gifts were for the baby, but really, that baby’s true gift is having a happy healthy mom, so…

Burning these resins was used to purify the air. Praying for long periods of time in religious spaces surrounded by the perfumed air was probably how they discovered it supported lung health. Now we can access the essential oils to diffuse and add to our favorite unscented lotions and potions. I am sure there is a study out there about the efficacy of frankincense EOs on lung health. If you know about one,encountered link it in the comments! I am still learning about essential oils and have only come across frankincense to use topically. Orally, frankincense goes by its tree name Boswellia. Boswellia serrata is grown in India and is the most researched for taking internally as an anti-inflammatory in Ayurvedic medicine. 

 Myrrh, I tend to find in the form of supplementation only. I have used it on myself in a pressed pill form to support the healing of oral injuries. Occasionally, I bite the inside of my mouth or tongue, and it turns into a canker sore; myrrh has come to my rescue to speed up the healing process. 

Both of these resins have been over-harvested throughout history, and ancient myths have even been created to protect them from poachers. When seeking out these ingredients, please be sure you are getting them from a trustworthy, sustainable source that tests for efficacy. Your ethical choices help to shape the future of natural health. 

Resources for the folks who want to know more:

The History of Frankincense

Boswellia seratta monograph

Myrrh, Science Direct

Myrrh, The Perfume Society