…and not just because of the symbolism with the upcoming holiday season! Frankincense & Myrrh essential oils contain properties that make them a crucial part of the cold winter months.
Frankincense Boswellia carterii is steam distilled from resin and mostly made up of Monoterpenes- a chemical family known for relieving pain & stiffness, being mild antiseptics and air purifiers. However, I feel like the most important quality the essential oil of Frankincense can offer us this time of year is the calming relationship it has with our respiratory and nervous system. Frankincense is known to deepen the breath, relieve nervous tension, calm the mind and support introspection which is why it has traditionally been used for meditation. I can’t think of a more hectic time than the holiday season and the inhalation of Frankincense essential oil can be beneficial. One drop on a tissue for a quick fix is just enough to center ourselves while battling traffic or preparing for family. The opening of the breath- and therefore the lungs- is what makes it an effective addition to blends geared to treating congestion, bronchitis, asthma and so on.
Myrhh Commiphora myrrha is also steam distilled from resin but composed dominantly of Sesquiterpenes – a chemical family known to be healing to the skin, warming, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial. It is the first oil I reach for to treat any kind of skin issue, especially when I want to prevent and heal the dry skin winter tends to bring. Myrrh is especially effective with the cracked heels of feet that are usually so hard to relieve. Because it is antibacterial and has an astringent effect on the mucus membrane, gargling with a drop of Myrrh in water or inhaling it via steam is fantastic for treating throat infections. Like Frankincense it supports the respiratory system but in a different way. The oil is anti-infammatory, an expectorant & antispasmodic making it useful for breaking up mucus, coughs, bronchitis and colds. I find it to be an integral addition in winter chest rubs and its calming, grounding energy means that it is safe to use at night.
A good evening chest and temple rub to break up congestion could consist of Frankincense, Myrrh, Pine, Myrtle & Spike Lavender in a 2% dilution. This means 10-12 total drops per 1 ounce of carrier such as jojoba oil or aloe vera.
Adding a few drops of Frankincense & Myrrh to your evening bath or bedside nebulizer/diffuser can be a simple way to stay relaxed and healthy during the winter. Both aromatically blend well with Rose Absolute, Sandalwood, Lavender or Ylang Ylang.









