The Spiritual Uses Of Frankincense and Myrrh

Using Frankincense and Myrrh in spiritual practices can significantly enhance the healing process at the mental and emotional levels.

They have the power to cleanse, energize, and activate the required structures for spiritual growth.

Discover how these ancient elements can guide you towards higher awareness and their role in the Reiki practice.

Frankincense and myrrh have many spiritual uses, like cleansing a room and raising the vibration.

But their benefits go beyond the obvious and can even influence us at a physical and emotional level.

Before we get to that, let’s see where they come from to better understand their role and meaning.

The Origins of Frankincense and Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh have been used and traded for more than 5000 years.

Their origins can be traced to regions such as the Horn of Africa (the present Somalia and Ethiopia) or the Arabian peninsula.

Some of the earliest trades took place in Yemen and Oman. Even today, the Arabian peninsula is known for selling some of the best frankincense and myrrh on the market.

Even though they have been used for pagan rituals in the past, today, frankincense and myrrh are indispensable to many spiritual practices.

Because of their unique fragrance and healing abilities, there was a time when their value was worth their weight in gold.

The (unofficial) Meaning Of The Name

• “Frankincense” comes from the Old French expression “franc encens” – meaning “high-quality incense”;
• “Myrrh” is derived from the Greek “murr,” which means bitter;

How Is Frankincense And Myrrh Made

The 5 known species of Boswellia Sacra produce frankincense. The quality varies according to the type of tree and time of harvest.

Myrrh comes from Commiphora.

These trees are related and have similar origins.

Incisions are created in the tree’s trunk, which allows the resin to come out. It then dries up into a solid, orange-brown gum.

What Are The Uses Of Frankincense And Myrrh

Most of us are aware of our complex energetic structure. This means chakras, energy channels, and subtle bodies.

We’re also constantly interacting with both positive and negative forms of energy. They become our thoughts and patterns, translating into fear, anxiety, joy, or optimism.

Regardless of their type, it’s what we experience every day.

They are part of who we are and can only become a problem if we let them develop.

Incense is one of the best and easiest ways to cleanse your energetic structure.

There are many options to choose from, but my favorites are frankincense and myrrh. Aside from crystals, I consider them among the physical elements with the highest vibration.

That’s why they have always been my first choice.

I also resonate with their fragrance, which is very important. If you find the smell heavy and disturbing, you should definitely look for something different. It’s crucial to use incense that helps you relax. So don’t force yourself into liking something simply because others recommend it.

Three Efficient Ways To Use Frankincense And Myrrh

• Burning;
• Heating;
• Placing them besides you;

NOTE: Frankincense and myrrh are also used for internal treatments. I won’t cover them here because they go beyond my area of expertise. Still, it’s helpful to be aware of this matter and investigate it further if you wish. Remember to always seek professional advice.

How To Burn Frankincense and Myrrh

The simplest way is to place a piece of incense-burning coal on a heat-resistant surface.

Light the coal, and once it heats up, place frankincense and/or myrrh on it. This will cause the resin to release a powerful but pleasant fragrance, accompanied by thick smoke.

Heating Frankincense and Myrrh

This option requires an incense heater.

Simply light a candle under the support and place pieces of frankincense and myrrh on the upper surface. In a few minutes, you’ll notice a thin smoke and a pleasant fragrance.

This way, you can enjoy their properties in a more gentle manner.

Keep Frankincense And Myrrh Next To You

Whether you choose to use the above methods or not, it’s always a good idea to carry frankincense and myrrh with you.

You can leave them next to your bed, on your office desk, or where you meditate.

They will release a gentle fragrance while keeping residual energies away.

What Are The Benefits Of Burning/Heating Frankincense And Myrrh

Their fragrance and smoke help raise the vibration and cleanse the area where they are used. Of course, on their own, they have a limited effect but can amplify any spiritual practice.

On the spiritual and energetic level – The smoke dispels negative and discordant energies. It cleanses the subtle bodies, opens the chakras, and unclogs meridians.

Frankincense resonates with the spiritual part of the body and stimulates the activation of the following energetic centers:

• Heart Chakra (Anahata);
• Throat Chakra (Vishuddha);
• Third Eye Chakra (Ajna);
• Crown Chakra (Sahasrara);
• Soul Star Chakra;

Myrrh, on the other hand, resonates more with the physical body and stimulates the activation of the:

• Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura);
• Sacral Chakra (Svadhishtahana);
• Root Chakra (Muladhara);
• Earth Star Chakra;

Myrrh also has a harmonious grounding effect and helps clear residual energies from the legs and feet.

When diffused in the air, the smoke of frankincense and myrrh can raise your vibration and bring clarity to your mind. It frees you from negative thoughts and patterns while helping you connect to your higher self.

From an emotional perspective – The constant use of frankincense and myrrh dissipates negative feelings and emotions such as:

• Anger;
• Grief;
• Jealousy;
• Anxiety;
• Depression;
• Panic;

Keep in mind that their power is limited. So simply burning them won’t chase away all negative influences from your life.

The self-healing starts from within, and it’s work you have to do regularly to improve at all levels. Of course, incense helps, but it’s through awareness and opening your heart that you’ll discover the better you.

From a physical perspective – Frankincense and myrrh bring a lot of benefits.

• Myrrh stimulates blood flow and improves digestion;
• It can heal wounds and infections. It can also work as a sedative and stimulate the immune system;
• It’s an excellent remedy for relieving menstrual pain and maintain uterine health;
• Myrrh is known to be an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and even an anti-microbial remedy;

Frankincense is known for its pain-relieving properties.

• It stimulates the regeneration of cells and promotes the health of organic tissues;
• It supports the removal of toxins from our body by improving digestion and promoting a healthy urination cycle;
• Helps heal respiratory problems, relieves coughs, and keeps flues away;
• Again, for women, it’s good for relieving menstrual pain and delay menopause;
• Frankincense can also act as a sedative;

The Role Of Frankincense And Myrrh In Spiritual Practices Such As Reiki

Reiki is one of the most efficient spiritual practices out there.

Through self-treatment, we access the universal life force energy, the purest form in existence.

So…

Why the need for additional cleansing sources?

Before any spiritual practice, it’s advisable to cleanse the space. Incense sticks, frankincense, or myrrh are pretty effective and easy to use.

They will dissolve discordant energies and allow for a better Reiki session.

NOTE: If you have access to Reiki symbols, you can use Cho Ku Rei + Sei He Ki on the incense before heating or burning it. This will further energize it while enhancing the cleansing effect.

In Meditation

One essential matter in meditation is to have a clean and relaxed mind.

There are many ways to meditate.

A quiet environment and high-vibrational music can help. Burning frankincense and myrrh could cleanse the space further. But their ultimate purpose is to help you transition into a state of calm where you can be alone and safe.

The fragrance and energy will provide clarity, and create the ideal mood for a spiritual connection.

They work great in combination with anxiety crystals to create an oasis of serenity.

The Presence In Religious Rituals

Both elements have been present in spiritual ceremonies for ages.

Their power is well known in the Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian religions.

Frankincense and myrrh are prevalent in meditations, prayers, and for the general well-being in temples around the world.

Egyptians and Jewish priests were among the first to use them in their spiritual practices.

In the Bible, the three Magi were offering frankincense, myrrh, and gold as gifts when Jesus was born. So this is another reference to their value in ancient times.

If you like adding incense and other elements from nature to your practice, you might be interested in reading the Shamanic Reiki article.

Conclusion

Using frankincense and myrrh regularly can help any practitioner open the path to healing and spiritual growth.

They are physical tools with effects on the energetical level.

But perhaps their most important role is to support our ability to reach a higher dimension of consciousness.

Still, real progress can only take place when we do work with ourselves.

Only when we combine them with acceptance, willingness, and (then) meditation will we enjoy their complete set of benefits.