Resins and Balsams - Myrrh

In the world of perfumery, where artistry meets the science of scent, few ingredients can rival the enduring allure of myrrh resin. Known for its rich, earthy aroma, myrrh has enchanted perfumers for centuries, lending its deep, smoky sweetness to some of the most iconic fragrances. Whether used as a base note or to add complexity to a blend, myrrh’s unique scent profile continues to captivate those who seek a timeless, aromatic experience.

Myrrh resin is an aromatic gum, harvested from the Commiphora tree, a genus of flowering trees and shrubs native to arid regions of East Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia), the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia), and parts of India, where they thrive in harsh, rocky terrains.

These hardy plants can reach up to 4 meters in size, and are characterized by their thorny branches, gnarled trunks, and small leaves. To harvest myrrh, collectors make incisions in the bark, allowing the sap to ooze out and harden into resinous reddish-brown "tears." Beyond myrrh, the genus also produces other aromatic resins used in traditional medicine, perfumery, and rituals, underscoring its deep cultural and historical significance. The name "myrrh" comes from the Arabic word "mur," which means bitter, reflecting its pungent, balsamic aroma.

Myrrh has been traded for over 5,000 years, valued by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its use in perfumes, embalming rituals, and medicine. In ancient times, myrrh was commonly used to treat digestive issues, infections, and skin wounds. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties made it a valuable natural remedy. It has also been a staple in spiritual ceremonies for centuries. Burned as incense, it was believed to purify spaces, enhance meditation, and offer protection.

Today myrrh is burnt as incense at home and in temples, by placing a small piece of myrrh resin on a charcoal disc to release its aromatic smoke. Ground myrrh resin can also be infused in a carrier oil like olive or jojoba for a few weeks and then be used for massage or skincare. Myrrh is also a key ingredient that adds flavor to meat products, desserts, soft drinks, gum, sweets, and cosmetic products such mouthwash and soaps.

The Aromatic Profile of Myrrh

The use of myrrh in perfumery dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians were masters of scent and used myrrh in their famous kyphi, a sacred incense blend used for religious rituals, perfumes, and embalming the dead. The Greeks and Romans, too, were captivated by myrrh’s intoxicating fragrance, using it in their scented oils and balms.

Myrrh resin is celebrated for its multifaceted scent. It is warm, slightly sweet, and possesses a smoky, balsamic undertone with hints of spice and bitterness. Myrrh’s is an excellent base note for many types of fragrances. It can add depth to spicy, smoky, and leathery perfumes, and also balances sweet or floral compositions by providing an earthy counterpoint. Thanks to its rich, complex nature, myrrh acts as a fixative in perfumes, helping to stabilize and extend the life of the scent on the skin. Myrrh’s aroma evolves over time. Initially, it releases a slightly medicinal, bitter note that softens into a sweet, resinous warmth as it dries down, adding layers of olfactory intrigue. Perfumers today use natural myrrh resin, its distilled essential oil (extracted through steam distillation), myrrh absolute (provides a thicker, richer aroma, perfect for intense, long-lasting scents), tinctures, and infusions in alcohol.

Myrrh has been a key ingredient in many timeless and iconic fragrances, such as YSL's "Opium" (fragrance that combines rich notes of citruses, spices, and florals, with myrrh and other resins), Dior's "Eau Sauvage Parfum" (citruses, vetiver, lavander, oakmoss, and patchouly mixed with myrrh, to produce a deep, mysterious, gentlemanly, and timeless fragrance), and Diptyque's "L'Eau Trois" (a staple niche incene perfume, where myrrh mixes with Kyara incense, pine, spices, and aromatics like rosemary and myrtle).

Myrrh resin, with its rich history and unparalleled scent, remains a cherished ingredient in the world of perfumery. Its smoky, resinous allure adds sophistication and depth, transforming simple compositions into olfactory masterpieces. Whether you're an aficionado of fine fragrances or a DIY enthusiast looking to craft your own signature scent, myrrh offers a timeless note that never goes out of style.