There is something timeless about myrrh. Its deep, resinous fragrance has long been associated with sacred spaces, ritual and contemplation, carrying something of the stillness and mystery of the ancient world. Even now, its rich, earthy aroma can bring a sense of quiet and reflection.
Origin and nature
Myrrh has a long and fascinating history. For thousands of years, the fragrant resin of certain Commiphora trees has been valued as a medicine, incense, perfume and precious trade commodity. The name myrrh comes from the Arabic murr, meaning ‘bitter’, a reference to the resin’s distinctive taste and aroma.
Myrrh essential oil is obtained from the resin of Commiphora myrrha, a small, thorny tree which grows in the dry regions of north-east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a plant that is well suited to a harsh climate. It can survive with very little water, growing in rocky, dry soils where many other plants would struggle.
About the plant
Commiphora myrrha belongs to the Burseraceae family, the same botanical family that includes frankincense (Boswellia). The two plants are closely associated in the history of traditional medicine, incense and religious ceremony, although they are quite different botanically.
The myrrh tree is usually small and bushy, with a gnarled appearance and branches covered with sharp thorns. Its leaves are relatively small and may appear only for a short period when conditions are favourable. The tree can shed its leaves during dry periods, reducing water loss and allowing it to survive the extreme heat and drought of its natural habitat.
The part of the plant that gives us myrrh is its resin. When the bark is damaged, the tree produces a sticky, pale yellow to reddish-brown resin known as an oleo-gum-resin. It is this resin that has been collected and traded for centuries.
Cultural significance
Myrrh has been valued for thousands of years, and few essential oils have such a strong connection with the ancient world. Its resin was traded across the Middle East and North Africa long before recorded history. By the time of the ancient Egyptians, myrrh was already a highly prized aromatic material.
The Egyptians used myrrh in religious ceremonies, cosmetics and traditional medicine. It was also used in embalming, where its aromatic and preservative qualities were valued. Myrrh has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and references to it appear in Egyptian medical texts dating back more than 3,000 years.
Myrrh was valuable enough to become part of a major international trade. Caravans carried it from the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa towards Egypt, the Levant and the Mediterranean. Its durability and high value made it well suited to long-distance trade. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used myrrh as incense, in perfumes and in medicinal preparations.
Myrrh also has an important place in religious history. It is mentioned several times in the Hebrew Bible as an aromatic substance and an ingredient in sacred preparations. It was used in anointing oils and perfumes and became associated with ceremony and honour.
Its best-known biblical reference is perhaps the story of the Magi, who brought myrrh, along with gold and frankincense, as gifts for Jesus. Myrrh appears again in the Gospel accounts in connection with his death and the preparation of his body. It therefore became associated with both birth and celebration, and with mortality and mourning.
The resin continued to be used in traditional medicine across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. It was particularly valued in preparations for the mouth, skin and digestive system, and in some cultures the resin was chewed. This long history may help explain myrrh’s enduring association with oral care.
Chemistry
Myrrh essential oil has a distinctive and complex chemistry. Its main constituents are found largely among the sesquiterpenes, with several furan-containing sesquiterpenes being particularly characteristic of the oil.
Among the principal compounds are furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, curzerene, lindestrene, methoxyfuranodiene and beta-elemene. These naturally occurring constituents contribute to both the character of the oil and its biological activity.
Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene is one of the compounds most closely associated with myrrh. Curzerene and methoxyfuranodiene are also important constituents, while beta-elemene occurs in smaller amounts. The balance between these compounds can vary, so the precise chemical profile of an oil is influenced by the resin from which it is produced.
The chemistry of the resin can also change during distillation. Some of the furanosesquiterpenes are sensitive to heat and can undergo chemical transformation during the process. As a result, the composition of the finished essential oil is influenced not only by the plant and its growing conditions, but also by how the resin is processed.
Aroma
Myrrh essential oil has a deep, warm and distinctive aroma. It is resinous and balsamic, with a dry, slightly bitter quality that gives it a rather solemn character. There is also a subtle sweetness beneath the darker notes, which becomes more noticeable as the oil develops.
The first impression can be quite intense. Myrrh has none of the lightness or freshness of a citrus or floral oil. Instead, it feels earthy, warm and grounding, with a dry quality that gives it considerable depth.
There is also a slightly smoky, woody character to the aroma. This makes it particularly at home in blends designed to feel warm, meditative or comforting. A small amount can add depth to a blend without overpowering the other oils.
Cultivation, harvesting, production and sustainability
Commiphora myrrha is well adapted to hot, dry regions where rainfall is low and growing conditions can be harsh. The tree grows in rocky, arid areas of north-east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, often where there is little other vegetation. Its ability to survive drought makes it well suited to these conditions, but it also means that myrrh production depends closely on the natural environment.
Myrrh is not obtained by harvesting leaves or flowers. The valuable material is the resin produced by the tree. Small cuts are made in the bark, allowing the oleo-gum-resin to emerge. It is initially soft and sticky but gradually dries and hardens when exposed to the air, forming the irregular ‘tears’ of raw myrrh.
The resin is collected once it has hardened sufficiently. Traditional harvesting requires knowledge of the trees and the local conditions, including where the trees grow and when they are ready to yield resin. Care is needed when making the cuts, as excessive damage can weaken the tree.
Once collected, the dried resin is cleaned and prepared for distillation. Myrrh essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the resin. The distillation process separates the volatile aromatic compounds from the heavier resinous material, producing an oil with the characteristic deep, warm aroma of myrrh.
The quality of the finished oil depends on several factors, including the quality and origin of the resin and the care taken during harvesting and distillation. The composition of the oil can vary naturally between harvests, reflecting the conditions in which the trees have grown.
Because Commiphora myrrha grows in naturally dry environments and is often collected from wild populations, sustainable harvesting is particularly important. The long-term health of the trees depends on allowing them to recover between harvests and avoiding excessive tapping. Responsible collection therefore needs to balance the demand for myrrh resin with the need to protect the trees and the natural habitats in which they grow.
Properties and application
Myrrh essential oil has a long history of use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. It is generally regarded as a warming, grounding and deeply restorative oil, with particular value for the skin, mouth and respiratory system. Its resinous nature also gives it a cleansing quality, while its rich aroma makes it useful when a blend needs greater depth.
Myrrh is often chosen when a warming rather than cooling effect is wanted. It can be helpful in massage blends for tired, tense muscles and may be particularly appealing during the colder months. Its warming nature also makes it a useful addition to blends intended to support circulation and general physical comfort.
Myrrh has traditionally been valued for its cleansing and soothing qualities, particularly in preparations for the mouth and gums. Myrrh resin itself has been chewed in some cultures, and it has a long history of use in mouth washes, gargles and other preparations for oral hygiene.
Myrrh also has astringent and toning qualities which can make it useful in skincare. It is particularly suited to mature, dry or damaged skin and can be included in facial oils, creams and other preparations where a more restorative approach is wanted. Its cleansing properties may also make it useful for skin that is prone to minor blemishes.
On an emotional level, myrrh has a quiet, grounding quality. Its deep aroma can be useful when you want to slow down and create a more reflective atmosphere. It is traditionally associated with meditation, contemplation and spiritual practice, and can be especially appropriate when used in the evening or during periods of quiet.
Myrrh is a strong and characterful oil, so only a small amount is usually needed in a blend. Its aroma can easily become dominant if used too generously, but in the right proportion it can give a blend warmth, depth and a distinctive resinous quality.
The following application methods offer different ways to experience the oil, from gently diffusing its aroma through a room to using it in a carefully diluted topical preparation.
Diffusion
Myrrh essential oil can be diffused when you want to bring its warm, resinous aroma into a room. Its deeper fragrance is particularly suited to quiet spaces, such as a bedroom, reading area or somewhere used for meditation.
Because myrrh has a strong aroma, start with a small amount. It blends particularly well with frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood and sweet orange, which can give the fragrance a softer or more rounded character.
Topical application
Myrrh essential oil can be used on the skin when properly diluted in a suitable carrier oil. Its astringent and toning qualities make it particularly interesting for skincare, including preparations for mature, dry or tired-looking skin.
It can also be included in body oils and balms for dry or rough areas of skin. For facial use, keep the dilution low and take particular care with sensitive skin.
Massage
Myrrh essential oil adds warmth and depth to a massage blend, particularly when combined with woody, resinous or spicy oils. A small amount is usually enough because of its strong aroma.
For a warming blend, try myrrh with black pepper, ginger, frankincense or sweet marjoram. For a gentler blend, lavender or roman chamomile can soften its deeper character.
Bath
Myrrh can be used in the bath as part of a properly prepared essential oil blend. Its warm, resinous aroma makes it particularly appealing for an evening bath or whenever you want a more grounding experience.
Essential oils should not be added directly to bath water. Mix myrrh thoroughly into a suitable bath base or product designed to disperse essential oils before adding it to the water.
Personal inhalation
Personal inhalation is a simple way to enjoy myrrh without applying it to the skin. A personal inhaler or aroma stick allows you to use a small amount when you want its deeper, grounding fragrance.
Myrrh works well on its own or blended with frankincense, cedarwood, sandalwood or citrus oils. A few drops on an appropriate inhalation pad are usually enough.
Contraindications & general safety
Myrrh essential oil should be used with the same care as other concentrated essential oils. Do not apply it neat to large areas of skin, and keep it away from the eyes and other sensitive areas.
For topical use, dilute myrrh in a suitable carrier oil and use an appropriate concentration for the application. People with sensitive skin should take particular care, and a small patch test can be useful before wider application.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare or aromatherapy professional before using myrrh therapeutically.
Keep myrrh away from children and pets and store it securely, preferably in a cool, dark place.
Blending and recipes
Myrrh essential oil has a strong, distinctive personality, so it is usually best used as part of a blend rather than in large amounts on its own. Its deep, resinous aroma can bring warmth and depth to lighter oils, while its dry, slightly bitter character can add balance to sweeter fragrances.
It is particularly easy to blend with other resinous oils. Frankincense is an obvious partner, with the two oils sharing a long history in incense and traditional aromatic preparations. Their aromas complement each other well, with frankincense bringing a lighter, fresher resinous note and myrrh adding greater warmth and depth.
Woody oils also work well with myrrh. Cedarwood, sandalwood and vetiver can all add warmth and depth, while giving a blend a drier, more earthy character. These combinations work particularly well when you want a rich, understated fragrance.
For something warmer and more spicy, myrrh can be combined with black pepper, ginger, cardamom or cinnamon leaf. These oils bring a little more energy to myrrh’s naturally deep character. Use stronger-smelling spices sparingly, as they can quickly dominate a blend.
Citrus oils provide an interesting contrast. Sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin can lift the heavier character of myrrh and make it feel more approachable. This can be especially useful in a diffuser blend, where a small amount of myrrh gives a citrus blend greater depth without losing its freshness.
Floral oils can also be used with myrrh. Lavender and roman chamomile create a softer combination, while rose, geranium and jasmine can produce something richer and more perfumed. Myrrh can be particularly useful with floral oils when you want to give a blend a warmer, more grounded base.
Warm and uplifting diffuser blend
3 drops sweet orange essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil
1 drop myrrh essential oil
Add the oils to a diffuser according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The citrus gives the blend freshness, while frankincense and myrrh provide a warmer, resinous base.
Grounding personal inhaler
2 drops myrrh essential oil
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
1 drop bergamot essential oil
1 x blank personal inhaler stick
Add the oils to the pad and place it inside the inhaler stick. Inhale gently when you want to enjoy the deeper, woody character of the blend.
Warming massage oil
2 drops myrrh essential oil
2 drops sweet marjoram essential oil
1 drop black pepper essential oil
10 ml carrier oil
Add the essential oils to the carrier oil and mix thoroughly before use. Apply as a massage oil, taking care to follow appropriate dilution and safety guidance for the individual oils.
Experience Oshadhi’s Myrrh oils
Myrrh is one of those oils that rewards a little exploration. Its distinctive character can change the balance of a blend, bringing depth and warmth without needing to dominate. For an aromatherapist, it offers another way to work with resinous notes and to create blends with a little more substance and complexity. If myrrh has not yet found a place in your aromatherapy practice, it is well worth getting to know.
Find out more about Myrrh with Oshadhi founder Malte Hozzel’s plant portrait video:
Oshadhi sources the finest Myrrh oil from Somalia in wild grown and wild certified organic options:
