Frankincense & Myrrh: The Ancient Oils Worth Knowing About

Long before scented candles and ultrasonic diffusers, there were frankincense and myrrh. These two resins have been burned, traded, and treasured for thousands of years — and honestly, once you try them, you'll understand why civilisations went to such lengths to get their hands on them.

Here's everything you need to know about these two legendary oils and how to bring them into your everyday life.

What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense comes from the resin of Boswellia trees, native to the dry, rocky regions of Africa and the Middle East. When steam-distilled into an essential oil, it has a warm, woody, slightly citrusy scent that's deeply grounding and meditative.

It's often described as the scent of calm — the kind that slows your breathing and quiets a busy mind almost immediately.

Benefits of Frankincense Oil

• Promotes deep relaxation — ideal for meditation, pilates, or winding down before bed
• Grounding and centring — helps ease anxious or scattered feelings
• Supports skin wellness — often used diluted in a carrier oil for its skin-soothing properties
• Purifying — traditionally used to cleanse spaces and lift the energy of a room

What Is Myrrh?

Myrrh is also a tree resin — this time from the Commiphora tree — and it has an earthy, smoky, slightly sweet scent that's rich and complex. It's deeper and more intense than frankincense, with a warmth that lingers beautifully.

Myrrh has been used in perfumery, medicine, and spiritual practice for millennia. It's one of those scents that feels ancient in the best possible way.

Benefits of Myrrh Oil

• Deeply calming — excellent for stress relief and emotional balance
• Skin-loving — traditionally used to support healthy, nourished skin when diluted properly
• Spiritual and meditative — its rich, resinous scent has long been associated with prayer and reflection
• Warming — creates a cosy, enveloping atmosphere in any space

Frankincense + Myrrh: Better Together

These two oils have been paired together for thousands of years — and there's a reason that combination has stood the test of time. They complement each other beautifully: frankincense lifts and clarifies while myrrh grounds and deepens. Together they create a scent that's rich, warm, and utterly transportive.

Try this blend in your diffuser:

• 3 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Myrrh
• 1 drop Cedarwood (optional, for extra depth)

Perfect for an evening wind-down, a meditation session, or just making your home smell like a very sophisticated ancient temple.

How to Use Them

In a diffuser: Add 3–5 drops to your diffuser with water and let the scent fill the room. Run in 30-minute intervals for best results. Browse our diffusers and accessories if you're still looking for the right one.

Diluted on skin: Mix 2–3 drops of either oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or fractionated coconut oil work beautifully) and apply to pulse points or use as a massage oil. Check out our carrier oils collection for the perfect base.

In a candle: Both oils blend beautifully into soy candles for a warm, resinous throw. If you're into DIY candle making, these are must-haves in your collection.

A Note on Quality

With oils this special, quality really matters. Look for 100% pure essential oils with no synthetic additives or fillers — what you smell should be exactly what nature intended.

Explore our full range of aromatherapy essential oils and find your new favourites.

Ancient wisdom, modern living. 🌿