Frankincense and Myrrh – The Three Gifts Given to Jesus by the Wise Men

Gold, frankincense and myrrh—the three gifts given to Jesus by the wise men—symbolize divinity, royalty, and worship. But what exactly are these botanical substances? And what were their ancient uses?

Frankincense and myrrh, botanical resins, are still used today to create perfumes, incense and medicines. But these were some of the most valuable and prized commodities during antiquity, and their use extended well beyond religious rituals. They were essential ingredients in trade routes that stretched from the Arabian Peninsula, through Egypt and into the Mediterranean world. Local taxes, plus long journeys to transport them, made them expensive. This makes the idea that the wise men paid a considerable sum for the trio of precious gifts seem plausible.

The myrrh tree, known as dindin, grows in the desert of southern Somalia and northern Ethiopia, where it has been tapped for its resinous oleoresin for thousands of years. It looks more like a scrub than a tree, with short flat-topped branches and whitish-green leaves.

Myrrh is produced from the sap of this tree, which has a sticky consistency similar to gum. It’s collected from a small tree that produces a cluster of white flowers before the leaves begin to grow in spring. The berries that follow are dark red, and the resin forms in bursts around the buds. Traders would separate the myrrh resin from the woody interior and dry it for storage. It was often burned in religious ceremonies as incense and was used to purify the air in temples, where large crowds of people gathered. The myrrh also helped mask the odor of slaughtering animals, which dominated the atmosphere in these ancient venues.

Today, we know that myrrh resin has a host of therapeutic properties, most of which are derived from the anti-inflammatory compounds it contains. It is effective against many common infections, including gastrointestinal problems and respiratory issues. It is also thought to ease pain, especially from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Myrrh can even be used to help treat ulcers and other skin problems.

The soothing impact of myrrh can be attributed to its mood-elevating effects. It is believed to balance emotions, calm mood swings and promote mental clarity. Interestingly, myrrh is sometimes combined with frankincense to create incense that can be used to cleanse spaces of negative energy and promote harmony.