Pure Yemen (Herbal Dimensions) Myrrh - Socotran Incense Sticks

 

I have been really impressed with the resin sticks made by Pure Yemen. The ingredients are local - Frankincense from Yemen, Dragons Blood from the Yemen island of Socatra, and now Myrrrh from Socatra. The sticks around which the resin paste is rolled are also local. Yeminis climb date palms to collect the leaves, which are then dried, and the stalks are used for the sticks. It's possibly quite patronising of us to find charming such simple manual labour in one of the world's most impoverished and war torn regions, but I'm thinking of the respect for nature such labour brings. I'm thinking of the purity of the ingredients - less dependence on machinery and fossil fuels, and a more sustainable approach to production. There appears to be more soul in such production than in a huge regimented factory filled with machinery. How much of this is idealised Western romanticism, a remote incense tourism, I don't know. But I know it warms me. Yet I also know I am troubled by that romantic image of manual labour under the Sun in Yemen - being aware that the folks who gather the ingredients and make the incense, are not living the comfortable lives we are. There are a number of charities helping out in Yemen - I decided to donate £5 a month via Unicef.  Purchasing direct from Pure Yemen via their Etsy page, rather than via a shop, would also help. 

Myrrh is another of the ancient resins harvested from a tree which grows in the Yemen area - Commiphora myrrha. By itself it can be a little dry and quiet. However, it makes a famous and beautiful marriage with frankincense. I've not reviewed many myrrh incenses - around 12. I generally like myrrh, but it rarely lifts me because it can be a little dry and bitter. I do love it when myrrh is blended with frankincense - but on its own, I'm less enthusiastic. 

The resins sticks have a dusting of dark green powder. There is a faint resin scent on the stick. The burn can be a little oily and smoky, but on the whole is resinous, dusty, earthy, mildly bitter, and moderately attractive. It's OK by itself, but I feel I would get more enjoyment by burning it alongside some frankincense. 

Date: Mar 2025   Score: 32

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Pure Yemen

Myrrh