What's the difference between frankincense and myrrh?

Narrator: Frankincense is a milky white resin derived from Boswellia trees

Boswellia trees

Boswellia sacra (commonly known as frankincense or olibanum-tree) is a tree in the Burseraceae family. It is the primary tree in the genus Boswellia from which frankincense, a resinous dried sap, is harvested. It is native to the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Yemen), and horn of Africa (Somalia).

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Boswellia sacra - Wikipedia

, which are remarkable for their ability to grow in unforgiving conditions. In fact, these trees have been known to grow out of solid rock. Myrrh, on the other hand, is a reddish resin extracted from Commiphora trees.

What smells better frankincense or myrrh?

Frankincense is often mentioned together with it's cousin myrrh, another aromatic and earthy scent derived from the resin of the Commiphora tree which also has a long history in religion and spirituality. When comparing the two scents, frankincense is considered sweeter and warmer while myrrh is more earthy and bitter.

What is the purpose of frankincense and myrrh?

In the West, frankincense and myrrh have been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since ancient times; in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are used mainly for the treatment of chronic diseases. The main chemical constituents of frankincense and myrrh are terpenoids and essential oils.

Is myrrh and frankincense same?

Frankincense and myrrh are both resins extracted from trees in the Burseraceae family, also known as the torchwood or incense family. Frankincense comes from the dried sap of Boswellia trees, while myrrh comes from the lifeblood of the Commiphora.

Why is myrrh so valuable?

The sacred trees that produce Frankincense and Myrrh are almost impossible to grow outside of the Arabian Peninsula, which meant they were constantly in short supply and high demand. According to a famous Roman historian, the sap made the Arabians the richest people on earth by Jesus's time, more valuable than gold.

What Are Frankincense and Myrrh?

Why did Jesus get frankincense?

The frankincense represents Jesus' deity. In the Old Testament, frankincense was traditionally burned in the temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 2:2). By bringing this gift, the Magi affirmed Jesus was no ordinary man; he is both fully man and fully God.

What does myrrh smell like?

Myrrh is resinous with an aromatic woody and slight medicinal smell. It can range from bitter and astringent to warm and sweet. Similar to frankincense or pine, it's a cooling scent.

Does myrrh have healing properties?

Summary Applying diluted myrrh oil on your skin may aid wound healing and fight microbes that can cause infections. The oil may also deter the growth of skin fungi, including ringworm and athlete's foot.

What is frankincense good for?

The boswellic acids that come from frankincense have good antibacterial properties, which help prevent and treat oral (mouth-related) infections. These include bad breath, toothaches, and cavities.

What is frankincense used for?

It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.

What does frankincense oil do to the brain?

The most important component of frankincense is its resinous part and the main ingredients are incensole acetate and boswellic acid. According to previous studies, frankincense can have a positive effect on brain development, and possibly on the formation of dendrites and axons and improving their communication [24].

Why is frankincense essential oil so expensive?

How did they become so valuable? The sacred trees that produce Frankincense and Myrrh are almost impossible to grow outside of the Arabian Peninsula, which meant they were constantly in short supply and high demand.

What is the stuff they burn in Catholic Church?

The most prevalent ingredient in the incense used in Roman Catholic incense is frankincense; however, the primary ingredient used in incense may vary from parish to parish. In addition tousing frankincense, some Roman Catholic parishes may use myrrh as the main or sole ingredient in their incense.

What is the cleanest smelling essential oil?

Citrus: Citrus essential oils give off a fresh, fruity, and bright smell. They smell clean, have a sweet aroma; most people enjoy the scent of citrus oils.

What is the smell in church?

The odour of sanctity (also spelled odor), according to the Catholic Church, is commonly understood to mean a specific scent (often compared to flowers) that emanates from the bodies of saints, especially from the wounds of stigmata.

What is myrrh used for?

Myrrh is used to make medicine. Myrrh is used for indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis. It is also used as a stimulant and to increase menstrual flow.

Is it safe to put frankincense directly on skin?

The antioxidant properties are gained from oral use, however, as a for moisture, healing, and antibacterial purposes, frankincense can be used topically. It is easily absorbed through the skin, but pure frankincense should be watered down with a carrier oil such as citrus oils or olive oil before applying to the skin.

Which is more expensive frankincense or myrrh?

Solid frankincense resin can be sold at up to £37.33 per kilo, according to the International Centre for Research in Dry Areas. Myrrh is roughly twice as expensive, but prices are volatile – something that can also be said for the Wise Men's third gift.

Can I put frankincense oil on my feet?

Treat your hands and feet with a Frankincense oil massage that will have them feeling and looking rejuvenated for another active day outside. Add a couple drops to your feet and hands and massage the oil into your skin.

What happens if you swallow myrrh?

Myrrh oil is known to be toxic in large amounts, and your heart is one of the things at risk if you consume it. Myrrh can increase your heart rate and lead to arrhythmias (changes to normal heart rate) if consumed.

Is myrrh good for wrinkles?

Alternatively, 1-2 drops of Myrrh Essential Oil may be blended into a regular unscented lotion or face cream before application. Used daily, this blend is known to reduce the signs of aging skin, such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Can you burn frankincense and myrrh together?

Yes, you can mix frankisence and myrrh together- you can form a frankisence - myrrh resin which you can burn as incense. Together, they both produce a really good scent.

Why is myrrh used in the Bible?

Myrrh was used for its health benefits and fragrance. The Magi's gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh had spiritual symbolism (kingship, worship, and death). Myrrh was also used to prepare Christ's body for burial. During biblical times these were very versatile and expensive resins that were derived from tree sap.

Is frankincense poisonous?

Frankincense is natural, but like many other natural substances, it can be poisonous. Some people who have used frankincense extract have experienced: stomach pain. nausea.

Where does myrrh grow?

myrrha, which grows in Ethiopia, Arabia, and Somalia, while bisabol myrrh is obtained from C. erythraea, which is an Arabian species of similar appearance. Myrrh trees are found on parched rocky hills and grow up to 3 m (9 feet) tall.