Why Frankincense & Myrrh Are The Quintessential Fall Scent

As autumn's crisp embrace settles in each year, there's no better time to indulge in the warm, nostalgic scents that define the season — and there's no more suitable blend than the warm, resinous, and slightly spicy aroma of Frankincense and Myrrh. Our perfumers celebrate this balanced, complex fragrance and the autumnal bliss of their latest take on this timeless fragrance steeped in history, tradition and serenity.

Treasured facets in perfumery since the days when the world was young, frankincense and myrrh along with gold are cited in the Book of Mathew in the Bible as among the three gifts presented by the Magi to the infant, Jesus, on the night of his birth.

Both resins were burned as incense in ancient, sacred sanctuaries but myrrh was also utilized as embalming fluid to anoint the dead before burial.

Both are resins extracted from two different trees; frankincense from the dried sap of Boswellia trees, and myrrh, which is derived from the life blood of the Commiphora. 

According to Douglas Daly, a curator at the New York Botanical Garden and an expert in the frankincense and myrrh family:

“…Everything from the bark of the tree to the sap inside is fragrant, so both frankincense and myrrh are used as incense and perfume… They also have deeply practical uses, even today. People use frankincense and myrrh for dozens if not hundreds of purposes, from helping women get pregnant to encouraging cows to produce milk. Mixed with other compounds, the resins can even seal the broken hull of a boat. It’s bewildering the number of uses they have.”

What Does Frankincense And Myrrh Smell Like?

The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh is a captivating blend of warm, resinous, and earthy notes.

Frankincense exudes a sweet, woody aroma with hints of lemon and pine, while myrrh offers a rich, balsamic scent with subtle undertones of spice and vanilla.

Together, they create a deeply soothing and timelessly exotic fragrance.

How Are The Resins Extracted?

According to the Illinois Extension, sap is extracted by cutting the bark in such a way that it will cause a wound, but it will not be deep enough to kill the trees.

This stimulates a natural process that causes the sap to ooze from the cut where it is left to bleed freely for several months.

After this time, the sap changes form and hardens. It is then ready for use as resinous frankincense and myrrh. 

The General Appeal of Fall Scents

The advent of early autumn marks a shift in both time and the environment. Less sunlight, shorter days and a new chill seeps into the air, blanketing the land.

Trees begin their death dance and leaves transform to magnificent shades of orange, red, gold and russet. This time of year is symbolic of letting go of the past, new beginnings and harvest time.

Many fall fragrances reflect the favorite foods, fruits; flowers and spices associated with the season.

These include: pumpkin spice; apple pie; cinnamon; sugary berries; green, fresh figs; nutty clove and powdery florals, like woody violet or musky rose.

In character, inclusive facets tend to be rich, spicy, warm and earthy, and they are often found in woody, ambery and gourmand fragrances.

Explore our Fall Diffuser Oil Gift Set

What Does Fall and Autumn Smell Like?

While each season of the year presents its own appeal in terms of preferred fragrances, those designated for autumn tend to be earthy, warm and comforting.

They contain elements derived from once living matter such as: decaying leaves, trees, and plants, and they can also be somewhat crisp and sharp in nature.

One-of-a-kind fragrances related to this time of year are mostly known for their ability to complement the growing chill in the air and awaken lost nostalgic moments of good times such as: hay rides; the smell of apple pie wafting from a family oven and smoky, inviting open fires. 

Uses of Frankincense and Myrrh in Perfumery

Approximately 13% of all modern perfumes contain at least a trace of frankincense. 

It is a superior fixative and only used in small amounts due to its extremely potent character.

Myrrh is also a wonderful binding agent and is renowned for its blending properties, which add an intricate dimension to citrus, floral and woody compositions.

It is also traditionally associated with the death and burial rituals of the ancient world, and add depths and definition to the ultimate character of a fragrance.

Down through time, both gum resins have been burned together as incense.

Both have religious significance, and in the days of antiquity were melted to pay tribute to the gods and ward off demons.

Their fragrances, however, are different, as myrrh is bitter and frankincense sugary with hints of citrus.

Together, they belong to the amber family of fragrances, which are highly resinous, warm, elegant, rich and spicy.

Key Elements Found In Frankincense And Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh share some similar chemical substances; namely terpenoids and essential oils.

The former refers to a diverse and large class of naturally-occurring organic compounds that are found in almost all varieties of living organisms.

Terpenoids are essential to plant growth and development and they greatly contribute to the flavor, scent and color of plant leaves flowers and fruits. 

Frankincense resin contains an abundance of boswellic acid molecules, which have a chemical structure somewhat similar to hormones, like testosterone.

Myrrh’s bioactive ingredients, which include steroids, are responsible for its unique fragrance.

When the two resins combine, the chemical composition is altered because natural components are likely to decrease and newer ingredients emerge.

The Surprising Benefits Of Frankincense and Myrrh

As natural resins, frankincense and myrrh have been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a medley of conditions for many centuries.

Their synergy is unique, and is known to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Together, they promote blood circulation and are known to activate the immune system, which helps to prevent microbial infections.

Psychological and Emotional Benefits

Frankincense is a mood booster that promotes sleep and reduces stress and anxiety.

Inhalation is also known to decrease cortisol levels, activate the brain to release “feel good” hormones and improves concentration, mental clarity and memory retention.

Myrrh is a stabilizing substance that promotes serenity, grounding, spiritual awakening and lifts feelings of negativity.

When used together, they are a powerful force that benefits both the body and mind, and in aromatherapy practices are known to create an atmosphere of peace and grounding, which in turn cultivates deep feelings of happiness, comfort and love.

Introducing Our Frankincense and Myrrh Diffuser Oil Blend

The head notes of our Frankincense and Myrrh diffuser oil stream with sweet, sharp lemon rind, cool, minty eucalyptus and soft, tender and romantic violet petal.

A musky heart soon takes hold, featuring warm, aromatic frankincense, spicy, nutty and warm nutmeg and dark, honeyed amber.

A dry down of woody, pungent myrrh, dry, balsamic cedar wood and spicy, exotic cashmere completes this engaging scent.

In Conclusion

The rich, warm scents of frankincense and myrrh encapsulate the essence of fall and Christmas, evoking memories of festive gatherings and the comforting embrace of the holiday season.

Their timeless appeal has endured for centuries, celebrated in traditions and cherished for their aromatic elegance, and we're thrilled to introduce our perfumer's blend that celebrates this ancient blend!

Give it try and let its warm, rich, sweet balsamic notes enhance your Fall Holiday season!

Experience True Fragrance Bloom With Our Waterless Diffuser!

All of our fragrance oils are designed for optimal use with wireless and waterless cold-air diffuser machines.

Cold air waterless diffusers offer a clean and efficient way to distribute scents in your home or office.

They work by filtering the air to remove impurities before pressurizing it to break down aroma and essential oils into an ultra-fine mist.

This mist circulates throughout any space without leaving any residue or toxic properties behind.

As a result, these diffusers can effectively cover large areas, making them an ideal choice for scenting entire homes and businesses.

Enjoy a fresh, fragrant environment with the convenience and safety of cold air waterless diffusers!