A Fragrance Rooted in History
Few scents carry the weight of history quite like frankincense and myrrh. For thousands of years, these precious resins have been burned in temples, used in sacred ceremonies, and traded along ancient spice routes. Frankincense — derived from the Boswellia tree — was so prized in the ancient world that it was worth its weight in gold. Myrrh, harvested from the Commiphora tree, was equally revered, used by Egyptians in embalming rituals and by healers across the Middle East and Mediterranean.
Together, they form one of the most iconic aromatic pairings in human history — and for good reason.
The Benefits of Burning Frankincense & Myrrh
Beyond their rich, complex fragrance, burning frankincense and myrrh resin offers a range of wellness benefits:
- Stress relief: The warm, balsamic smoke has long been associated with calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
- Air purification: Both resins have natural antimicrobial properties, and burning them has traditionally been used to cleanse the air in living spaces.
- Mood elevation: The aromatic compounds in frankincense — particularly incensole acetate — have been studied for their mood-lifting and anti-depressive effects.
- Spiritual grounding: Many people use resin incense during meditation, yoga, or prayer to deepen focus and create a sense of sacred space.
- Natural aromatherapy: Unlike synthetic incense sticks, pure resin burned on charcoal releases only the natural aromatic compounds of the plant — no fillers, no binders.
How to Burn Resin Incense
Burning resin incense is a simple ritual once you have the right tools. Here's what you'll need:
- A heat-safe incense burner or censer (brass, ceramic, or cast iron work well)
- Quick-light charcoal discs
- Sand or salt to line the bottom of your burner (to diffuse heat)
- Tongs or tweezers
- Your frankincense or myrrh resin
Step-by-step:
- Fill the bottom of your burner with a layer of sand or salt — this protects the burner and slows heat transfer.
- Using tongs, hold a charcoal disc over a flame until it begins to spark and glow (about 30–60 seconds).
- Place the lit charcoal on top of the sand and wait 2–3 minutes until it's fully ashed over and glowing orange.
- Place a small amount of resin (a few small pieces) directly on the charcoal.
- Watch the smoke rise and enjoy the fragrance. Add more resin as needed.
Tip: Less is more. Start with a small pinch of resin — the scent is powerful and will fill a room quickly.
The Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Frankincense and myrrh appear in the texts of nearly every major world religion and ancient culture. In Christianity, they were among the gifts brought to the newborn Jesus. In ancient Egypt, frankincense was burned as an offering to the gods and used in the mummification process. In Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, both resins have been used for centuries to support respiratory health, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity.
Today, burning these resins is a way to connect with something ancient — a ritual that spans continents and millennia. Whether you're drawn to the spiritual dimension or simply love the scent, there's something deeply grounding about this practice.
Frankincense & Myrrh at Pacific Coast Soap Works
At Pacific Coast Soap Works, we source our resins with the same care we bring to all of our natural products — sustainably harvested, minimally processed, and as close to nature as possible. Our pure Myrrh Resin is available in a 30-gram bag, perfect for home burning or use in your own natural skincare formulations.
Whether you're new to resin incense or a seasoned practitioner, we invite you to slow down, light a charcoal disc, and let the ancient fragrance of frankincense and myrrh fill your space.