Frankincense & Myrrh: Ancient Gifts with Modern Challenges

We all know the story of the three wise men who traveled to Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn Jesus. Why were those gifts chosen? Gold was a precious metal, as valuable then as now. Frankincense was a spiritual incense burned in temples throughout the East. And myrrh was a sacred anointing/embalming oil.

Frankincense and myrrh are resins produced from Boswellia and Commiphora trees, which grow in remote, arid areas of North Africa, India and Yemen. Harvesters make cuts in the tree trunks and scrape out the oozing sap which hardens into the valuable resin. Frankincense is sweet and citrusy, myrrh is piney and bitter. Frankincense alone is responsible for creating the trade routes linking southern Arabia to India and the Mediterranean. Thousands of tons of it are sold every year to be used by Catholic priests as incense in ceremonies and by makers of perfumes, natural medicines, and essential oils. As aromatherapy has gone mainstream, the market for essential oils has boomed--to about $10 billion last year.

Unfortunately, the trees are struggling to meet the heightened demand. Cattle grazing on saplings, uncontrolled fires and conversion of woodland to pasture have greatly reduced the number of trees. But the biggest problem is overtapping. To keep them healthy, the trees should be cut no more than 12 times a year. However, they’re often cut much more often, sometimes well over 100 times. That weakens the trees which then produce fewer seeds and lower-quality ones. Many groups of the trees are no longer regenerating.

Boswellia and Commiphora trees are found almost exclusively in conflict-ridden regions with harsh, arid climates. Selling the resin may be the only source of income for many people in these areas. To make a living, people keep cutting the trees. Some governments have banned overtapping, but the laws are nearly impossible to enforce. And, as in many industries, the harvesters are barely eking out a living while the sellers are getting wealthy. The goal is to foster small-scale resin suppliers who harvest trees sustainably and support their communities.

Consumer demand for responsibly sourced products is starting to spur change. Some companies cater to more informed customers and advertise that their frankincense is ethically sourced. They travel to source areas to see how the harvesting is done and they select suppliers who show commitment to sustainability and regeneration. Hopefully, the downward trajectory of these valuable trees will be turned around and their gifts will be available for generations to come.