What is the difference between frankincense and myrrh?

Answer 1

Myrrh and frankincense have had spiritual significance since ancient times and they also were adopted as medicines for physical ailments. When referring to this pair of herbs, Westerners might immediately think of their historic importance in religion. The herbs are best known through the story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) delivering gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the baby Jesus; myrrh was also used to anoint Jesus' body after the crucifixion. These herbs, valued like gold, were mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament, in instructions to Moses about making incense and anointing oil.

Answer 2

Frankincense and myrrh are both resinous substances derived from trees, but they come from different species of trees. Frankincense is harvested from the Boswellia tree, while myrrh comes from the Commiphora tree. They have different scents and traditional uses, with frankincense often used for spiritual or medicinal purposes, and myrrh used in perfumes, incense, and embalming.