Myrrh Oil Benefits, Uses & Myrrh vs Frankincense

For thousands of years, two specific scents have been linked together in history books and ancient traditions. These are Myrrh and Frankincense. While many people have heard these names, few truly know what Myrrh oil is or how it can be used in a modern home.

Myrrh oil is not just a relic of the past. Today, it is valued by skincare experts, people looking for natural oral care, and those who want to find a sense of calm in a busy world. It is a thick, earthy oil that carries a lot of power in every drop.

In this guide, we will look at everything you need to know about Myrrh oil. We will talk about where it comes from, how it helps the body and mind, and how it compares to its famous cousin, Frankincense. Whether you are new to oils or a regular user, this guide will help you understand this ancient resin.

What Is Myrrh Oil?

To understand the oil, we must first understand the tree. Myrrh comes from a small, thorny tree called Commiphora myrrha. These trees grow in rocky soils, mostly in places like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Oman.

• The Story of the Resin

  When the bark of this tree is cut, a waxy sap leaks out. This sap is the tree's way of healing itself. As the sap hits the air, it hardens into dark, reddish-brown lumps. These lumps are called "tears" or "resins."

  People have harvested these resins for over 5,000 years. In ancient times, Myrrh was so valuable that it was often worth its weight in gold. It was used in perfumes, traditional wellness practices, and even during ancient burial rituals.

• How the Oil Is Made

  The essential oil is different from the raw resin. To make the oil, the hardened resin is put through a process called steam distillation.

  1. The resin is crushed into small pieces.
  2. Steam is passed through the resin.
  3. The steam carries the aromatic compounds away from the solid material.
  4. As the steam cools, it turns back into water, and a thick, yellow-to-amber oil floats to the top.

  This oil is very concentrated. It smells earthy, slightly bitter, and woody. Because it comes from a resin, the oil is often thicker than citrus or floral oils.

Key Benefits of Myrrh Oil

Why do people still use Myrrh today? It is because the oil contains natural compounds that interact with our bodies in helpful ways. Here are the main areas where Myrrh oil shines.

1. Skin Care Support

   Myrrh is a favorite in the world of natural beauty. It is often added to high-end face creams and serums.

   • Appearance of Aging: Myrrh is known for helping skin look firm and smooth. It is often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
   • Soothing Irritation: If you have dry, flaky, or "angry" skin, Myrrh can be very calming. It helps support the skin’s natural barrier.
   • Cleaning Properties: It is naturally "cleansing." This makes it helpful for people who deal with occasional blemishes or spots.

2. Oral Care and Gum Health

   One of the most common modern uses for Myrrh is in oral hygiene. If you look at the ingredients of natural toothpastes, you will often see Myrrh listed.

   • Gum Support: Myrrh is very good at keeping gums looking healthy and tight.
   • Clean Breath: It helps clean the mouth and neutralizes odors. It doesn't just mask bad breath; it helps keep the mouth environment clean.
   • Traditional Mouth Rinse: For centuries, people have used a tiny drop of Myrrh in water as a rinse for their mouths.

3. Joint and Muscle Comfort

   Myrrh has a "warming" quality. When applied to the skin, it can help create a feeling of comfort in areas that feel stiff or tired.

   • Post-Workout: Some people mix Myrrh with a carrier oil and rub it into their muscles after a long day of physical work or exercise.
   • Joint Support: Because it is grounding and warming, it is often used in massage blends for older adults who want to maintain mobility and comfort.

4. Emotional and Aromatherapy Use

   The scent of Myrrh is very different from a sweet fruit or a bright flower. It is heavy and "low." In aromatherapy, this is called a "base note."

   • Grounding: When you feel scattered or anxious, the scent of Myrrh can help you feel "connected" to the ground again.
   • Focus: It is often used during quiet times to help the mind stay still.
   • Sleep Support: Because it is so calming, many people find it helpful to diffuse Myrrh in the evening to prepare the mind for rest.

Common Uses of Myrrh Oil

Knowing the benefits is one thing, but how do you actually use it? Because Myrrh is thick and strong, you should follow these common methods.

Skin Application

You should never put pure Myrrh oil directly on your face. It is too strong.

• The Blend: Mix 2 drops of Myrrh oil with a teaspoon of a carrier oil like Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil.
• The Routine: Apply this mixture to your face after washing it at night. It helps lock in moisture while you sleep.

Aromatherapy

Because Myrrh is a thick oil, it may take a little longer to drop out of the bottle.

• In a Diffuser: Use 3 to 5 drops in your water-based diffuser. It smells wonderful when mixed with Frankincense or Orange oil.
• Inhalation: Put one drop on a tissue and breathe in deeply when you feel stressed.

Oral Care Use

You should not swallow essential oils. However, you can use Myrrh as a rinse.

• The Rinse: Add 1 drop of Myrrh oil to a small cup of water. Swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Do not swallow.
• Toothpaste Boost: You can put one tiny drop on your toothbrush along with your regular toothpaste once or twice a week.

DIY Daily Blends

Myrrh is a great "fixative." This means it helps other scents last longer.

• Natural Perfume: Mix Myrrh with Patchouli and Bergamot in a roller bottle for an earthy, natural scent.
• Hand Cream: Add a few drops to a plain, unscented lotion to help protect your hands during the cold winter months.

Safety, Dilution, and Precautions

At AG Organica, we believe that safety is the most important part of using any essential oil. Being natural does not mean an oil is harmless.

Dilution Basics

For most adults, a 2% dilution is standard. This means about 10 to 12 drops of essential oil per 30ml (one ounce) of carrier oil. For facial use, go even lower—about 1%.

Who Should Avoid Myrrh?

• Pregnancy: This is very important. Myrrh has traditionally been used to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area. Most experts advise that pregnant women should avoid Myrrh oil entirely.
• Nursing Mothers: It is best to wait until you have finished nursing before using Myrrh topically or in a diffuser.
• Children: Myrrh is very strong. Avoid using it on infants. For older children, always consult a professional first.
• Surgery: Because Myrrh might affect blood sugar levels or blood clotting, stop using it at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Patch Testing

Always do a patch test. Put a small amount of diluted oil on your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to make sure you don't have a red or itchy reaction.

Myrrh Oil vs. Frankincense Oil

People often get these two confused because they both come from resins and grow in similar parts of the world. However, they are quite different.

Feature	Myrrh Oil	Frankincense Oil
Tree Source	Commiphora myrrha	Boswellia species
Scent Profile	Earthy, bitter, woody, "dark"	Citrusy, spicy, sweet, "bright"
Consistency	Thick, dark yellow/amber	Thin, clear to pale yellow
Best For Skin	Repairing dry/damaged skin	Brightening and "glowing" skin
Emotional Effect	Grounding and centering	Uplifting and meditative
Key Use	Oral care and gum health	Respiratory and immune support

 

• When is Myrrh better? Choose Myrrh when you want to focus on "repair." If your skin is very dry or cracked, or if you are focusing on oral health, Myrrh is the superior choice. It is also better for people who want a scent that is very deep and not sweet.
• When is Frankincense better? Choose Frankincense for "beauty" and "focus." If you want a morning oil to wake up your mind, or if you want to help your skin look more radiant and even-toned, Frankincense is usually the favorite.

Can Myrrh and Frankincense Be Used Together?

Yes! In fact, they are better together. This is called "synergy." Synergy happens when two oils work together to create a result that is stronger than either oil could achieve alone.

Why they are often blended

1. Balanced Scent: The brightness of Frankincense cuts through the bitterness of Myrrh. It creates a very sophisticated, "ancient" smell.
2. Skin Powerhouse: Combining them creates a total skin treatment. Frankincense helps with the tone, while Myrrh helps with the texture and moisture.
3. The "Resin" Connection: Since they both come from tree sap, they have a similar "vibration." They feel like they belong together.

How to blend them

A simple "Ancient Gold" blend for your diffuser is:

• 3 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Myrrh
• 1 drop Orange or Bergamot (to add a touch of sweetness)

How to Choose High-Quality Myrrh Oil

As a manufacturer and exporter, we see how many "fake" oils are in the market. Because Myrrh is expensive to produce, some sellers dilute it with cheap oils or synthetic chemicals.

What to check before you buy

• The Latin Name: The bottle should say Commiphora myrrha. If it just says "Myrrh Scent," it is probably synthetic.
• The Bottle: It must be in a dark glass bottle (amber or blue). Light destroys the delicate compounds in the oil.
• Transparency: Does the company tell you how the oil was distilled? Do they provide testing results?
• Price: If a bottle of Myrrh is very cheap (like the price of a lemon oil), it is likely not pure. Pure resin oils take a lot of work to harvest and distill.

Why Sourcing Matters

At AG Organica, we understand that the quality of an oil starts with the tree. We focus on ethical sourcing. This means making sure the trees are not over-harvested. If you cut a Myrrh tree too many times, it will die. A responsible supplier ensures that the resin is collected in a way that keeps the trees healthy for the next generation.

By working directly as a manufacturer, we can monitor the distillation process from start to finish. This ensures that the thick, rich properties of the Myrrh resin are preserved in the final oil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is Myrrh Oil safe for skin? Yes, but only when diluted. It is very helpful for dry or aging skin. Always mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before applying it.
• Does Myrrh Oil smell strong? Yes. It has a very powerful, earthy, and slightly bitter aroma. A little goes a long way. Most people prefer to blend it with other oils like Lavender or Frankincense to soften the scent.
• Is Myrrh better than Frankincense? Neither is "better." They have different jobs. Myrrh is best for repair and oral health. Frankincense is best for brightening the skin and uplifting the mood.
• Can Myrrh Oil be used daily? You can use it daily in a diffuser or as part of a diluted skincare routine. However, it is always good to give your body a break from any essential oil every few weeks.
• Why is my Myrrh oil so thick? This is normal! Because it comes from a resin, the oil can become very thick or even "sticky" in cold weather. You can warm the bottle in your hands for a few minutes to make it easier to pour.

Final Thoughts

Myrrh oil is a bridge between the ancient world and modern wellness. It is an oil of strength, repair, and grounding. While it might not be as "famous" as Lavender or Peppermint, it offers benefits that those lighter oils cannot match.

Whether you are using it to support your gums, soothe your skin, or find a moment of peace during a stressful day, Myrrh is a valuable tool. By understanding its history, its benefits, and the importance of quality sourcing, you can use this "liquid resin" with confidence.

Remember to always prioritize safety. Dilute your oils, respect the strength of the plant, and choose your supplier wisely. When used with care, Myrrh oil can become a cornerstone of your natural wellness routine.