Health Benefits:

Myrrh: An ancient Biblical oil extracted from the oleo gum resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree, myrrh oil, used in inhalation therapy, benefits the respiratory tract through its astringent action on the mucous membranes, helping to clear congestion and benefit the oral cavity. Topically applied, myrrh can support skin healing, nourishing and regenerating chapped or dry skin, and can be used as compress over the abdomen to support a woman's monthly cycle and to promote bladder health.

The gum resin, or “tears,” have been historically chewed to treat mouth ulcers, gingivitis, and sore throats. Like frankincense, myrrh resin finds use as a mouthwash, promoting healthy teeth and gums. Chewing frankincense resin has the secondary benefit of cleansing the digestive system by stimulating bile flow and enzyme secretion.

Frankincense: The essential oil of Boswellia rivae contains more than two hundred molecular compounds, which give it a very complex bouquet and endow it with a rainbow of therapeutic applications. It is derived from oleo gum resins which function as the immune and defense support for the Frankincense tree, and in its essential oil form, passes onto us these same precious properties. The oil, like all frankincense species, has been used traditionally and in modern times to speed the body's natural healing response. Its immune-enhancing, cleansing, and regenerative properties help reduce the negative effects of daily stress and aging, and contribute significantly to a healthy respiratory system.

Boswellia oil is also cytophylactic, meaning it encourages healthy growth and regeneration of skin cells, rendering it ideal for skin health.

Frankincense is used cosmetically to support, nourish and regenerate dry, wrinkled, and aging skin.

Among frankincense's many attributes is its use as a spiritual tool for ritual and prayer or meditation. Used in worship since time immemorial for the way it blends its many healing powers with an intoxicating fragrance, frankincense can properly be said to belong to the family of sacred scents.

How to Use:

How To Use this Co-distilled Frankincense and Myrrh Oil

Frankincense and myrrh can be applied topically, as a compress, in the bath, through direct inhalation, or diffuser.

In inhalation, steam therapy or diffusion, myrrh and frankincense together can cleanse, purify and strengthen both physical and emotional systems. It offers special support to the throat and lungs in diffusion and can be used in steam inhalation to help open the sinuses and support immune vitality during the colds and flu season.

Apply a drop of frankincense-myrrh to purify the skin or for skin abrasions.

Add a few drops to a warm bath to support the respiratory system and promote a healthy inflammatory response.


Frankincense-Myrrh Oil Recipes:

Respiratory Support blend: 8 drops frankincense-myrrh, 6 drops eucalyptus globulus, 3 drops rosemary, 3 drops pine, 2 drops peppermint for diffusion, or in 30 ml jojoba oil for topical/direct inhalation

Meditation blend: 8 drops frankincense-myrrh, , 6 drops sandalwood, 3 drops opoponax, 3 drops cedar wood for diffusion, or in 30 ml jojoba oil for topical/direct inhalation

More Information:

Frankincense and myrrh are both natural fumigants which have been used over the millennia for the dual purpose of disinfecting public spaces and elevating the spirit.

Most resin is obtained by making incisions into the bark of the tree. The milky liquid that exudes hardens on exposure to air into droplets or "tears" which are then easily collected. Occasionally, some tears are produced by accidental injury or from splits which occur in the stems or branches of the tree.

Frankincense: A universally known incense with a spicy, balsamic, instantly recognizable odor, the aromatic resin of frankincense has been at the epicenter of ritual practice, medical use and commerce in India, the Arabian peninsula and North Africa since ancient times. This plant has been a true gift to the human community, serving variously not only as medicine but as a source of dyes and cosmetics, along with its use as air-freshener, mosquito repellent, and essential source of livelihood. Its ancient use in ritual and temple offerings across religions, both historic and modern day, attest to its powerful spiritual attributes.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin with a long history of use. It has been used for ages for numerous therapeutic benefits, is a universally known incense, and is a source of livelihood for nomadic tribes. Frankincense has always been synonymous with spirituality; like myrrh, it was a prized possession in the ancient world, equal in value to many precious gems and metals. The resin has been a major item of commerce for at least 3,000 years.

Frankincense is harvested by making small incisions in the bark of the aromatic tree, producing a milky white resin that hardens as it dries. The collected resin is separated into grades, and stored in caves to cure before being sold.

The traditions of caretaking frankincense trees and harvesting their resin have played an important role in the life of nomadic desert tribes of North Africa for millennia. The trees are owned by families living in the area where they grow; ancient rituals surround the harvesting of the resin, and guardianship of the trees is passed on from generation to generation. The traditions, customs, and ceremonies surrounding frankincense, like many other important plants, are being lost. As people embrace modern lifestyles, the old ways of caring for the plants vanishes, and the plant's numerous benefits are lost. Frankincense was once a source of many items of commerce, including medicines, dyes, and cosmetics.

Botanically, frankincense trees are an excellent example of the natural diversity that can occur in different species of the same genus, and different varieties of the same species. There has been much confusion about the proper identification of the various types of frankincense, because of differences in species (approximately 25), varieties of individual species, quality of resin, micro-climates, and time of harvesting. Wild frankincense trees have a wide range of characteristics even within the same basic climatic zone.

The essential oil of frankincense contains more than 200 individual natural chemicals, giving the fragrance a very complex bouquet. There is considerable variation in the proportion of these components depending on the micro-climate where the trees grow, the season at which the resin is harvested, and a number of other factors.

Boswellia seedlings are slow growing and are susceptible to livestock grazing before they are able to reach a more mature state. Serrata in particular is becoming endangered and is need of conservation due to extensive farming, overgrazing and poor harvesting practices. Once established, Frankincense trees can live for at least a hundred years. Their flowers are popular with bees, and the long flowering period from October to February is helpful for bee colony maintenance.

Frankincense was included in the gifts presented by the wise men to the infant Christ together with gold and myrrh. It was introduced into church ceremonies at the beginning of Christianity in Europe during the Middle Ages. About 500 tons of frankincense were used by the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches per year. Burning frankincense in churches had hygienic functions as well as spiritual importance. People of the Middle Ages lived in extremely unsanitary conditions, so the fumigation of churches helped reduce contagion through atmospheric purification.

Safety Guidelines:

Safety Considerations for Boswellia rivae and Commiphora myrrha Essential Oil

Non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Do not take Frankincense or Myrrh essential oil internally.

Aromatic Profile & Blending:

Aromatic Profile and Blending of Boswellia rivae and Commiphora myrrha Essential Oils

Perfumery Note: Base to middle  
Odor:  Warm, woody, deep and resinous, balsamic, spicy 
Strength of Initial Aroma:  Medium to strong

This special co-distillation blends well with:  sacred oils such as sandalwood, clove, palo santo, and galbanum. Also citrus oils such as grapefruit and bergamot and other spice oils: basil and black pepper

Product Details:

Botanical Name: Boswellia rivae, Commiphora myrrha
Family:  Burseraceae
Composition:  100% Pure Frankincense and Myrrh oils
Origin:  Ethiopia
Method of Extraction:  Hydro Distilled
Cultivation/Harvesting:  Wild harvest 
Plant Part:  Gum Resin
Color:  Yellow to amber to yellowish red
Consistency:  Medium
Yield:  3-5%

Bottle Size:  1/2 ounce (15 ml)

Why Buy From Floracopeia:

Floracopeia was established to help preserve and promote the use of botanical medicines as solutions to the widespread ecological destruction taking place in the world, and the loss of medicinal plants on which traditional medical systems depend. We provide our customers with the highest quality essential oils and other botanical aromatic treasures through the promotion of ecological sustainability, organic agriculture, and agro-forestry projects.

Our products are acclaimed for their therapeutic-grade, high quality at affordable prices. We provide artisanal quality oils produced by small family-based distillers. We buy directly from farmers and distillers, thus supporting the local economies in which the plants are grown. We do not buy oils from the world-brokers. Floracopeia is founded with a strong medical orientation and is involved in a number of global eco-projects based in grass roots health care, spirituality, reforestation projects, and the preservation and restoration of ethno-botanical culture.