Incense in The Wind: Myrrh

Tuesday 27 June 2023

Myrrh

The Commiphora myrrha tree, from which the myrrh resin is extracted

Myrrh is a traditional incense. It is a resin extracted from the commiphora myrrha tree - there are differences in the scent depending on where it is harvested. It is a dry, woody, bitter, warm, deep, brown, balsamic, resinous scent, and is generally used in combination with the sweeter frankincense rather than on its own, so the sweetness and bitterness balance out and harmonise each other - like using bitter hops to offset the sweetness of malt in beer.

It can be made into an essential oil. These are not expensive. I have one from FreshSkin which is leathery, sweet, musky, woody, oily, some turps, some citric notes, pleasant bitter notes like tree bark, faint licorice. Because myrrh isn't a single scent, rather a blend of characteristics, it is difficult to synthesise, though there is myrrhone, made by Firmenich.

Fragrantica have a good article on Myrrh.

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