Quick Specs
- Botanicals: Boswellia (Frankincense) and Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh)
- Format: 1 lb bulk bag, granular resin blend
- Scent Profile: Citrus-pine top notes (frankincense), deep balsamic and earthy base (myrrh)
- Burning Method: Requires charcoal discs and a heat-safe burner
- Origin: Resins from the Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa region
- Best For: Ritual purification, meditation, altar work, space clearing
5,000 Years of Sacred Smoke
Frankincense and myrrh are both tree resins harvested from dryland trees native to the Arabian Peninsula, northeastern Africa, and parts of India. Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree; myrrh from the Commiphora myrrha tree. Both are collected by cutting into the bark and allowing sap to harden into chunks called tears. The collection method has not changed significantly in 5,000 years.
Their use together in ritual contexts spans ancient Egyptian temple ceremonies, Greco-Roman state religion, early Christian liturgy, and Islamic tradition. The Catholic, Coptic, and Orthodox churches still burn frankincense in services today. The combination is one of the most consistent through-lines in the history of religious practice across unrelated cultures and geographic regions.
The Chemistry Behind the Smoke
Frankincense releases boswellic acids and aromatic terpenes when heated, producing bright citrus and pine top notes. Myrrh’s active compounds are sesquiterpenes that burn with a deeper, earthier, slightly bitter character. Together they create a complex profile neither resin produces alone. The frankincense note lifts the myrrh’s heaviness; the myrrh anchors the frankincense’s lightness, producing a balanced aromatic that suits a wide range of ritual purposes.
How to Burn Frankincense and Myrrh Resin
Three steps for setting up and burning loose resin incense.
- Prepare the Burner and Charcoal
Place the cauldron on a non-flammable surface and add a half-inch of sand or salt to the bottom for insulation. Light a self-igniting charcoal disc with tongs until it sparks and glows, then set it into the sand bed.
- Add Resin in Small Amounts
Wait 60 to 90 seconds for the charcoal to reach full temperature. Then place a small pinch of the frankincense and myrrh blend, about the size of a pea, onto the glowing disc. The resin releases smoke within seconds. Add more in small increments.
- Use and Store Properly
Move the burner through the space you want to clear, or set it on your altar during meditation. Ventilate the space well; resin smoke is dense. Allow the charcoal to cool fully before disposing. Store unused resin sealed and away from heat.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I carry this blend in the 1-pound size because serious resin practitioners go through it quickly, and buying bulk is the only way to keep the cost manageable. The frankincense and myrrh combination is one of the most historically documented incense blends in existence. Browse my loose resin incense for more bulk options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both Boswellia (frankincense) and Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) are tree resins that require a heat source to release their aromatic compounds. Self-lighting charcoal discs are the standard method. Do not burn granular resin directly on an open flame.
Frankincense has a bright, citrusy, slightly pine-like aroma often described as uplifting. Myrrh has a deep, earthy, balsamic base note that is grounding and slightly bitter. Together they create a balanced fragrance used across traditions.
The 1-pound bulk bag is more economical per burn than individual small packets. For practitioners who burn resin weekly, it reduces reorder frequency. Stored sealed in a cool location, resin retains its aromatic properties for several years.
Frankincense and myrrh together appear in ancient Egyptian temple ceremonies, Greco-Roman religion, early Christian liturgy, and Islamic tradition. They are two of the three gifts of the Magi. Catholic, Coptic, and Orthodox churches still burn them today.
Nothing else needs to be said.