What Does Myrrh Smell Like?

There is something powerfully and inherently nostalgic about scents. Perhaps this is why warm fragrances like that of Myrrh essential oil are so popular among perfumers. That is what anyone would think at a first glance. So did I, to be very honest. Up until recently when I got my own custom made perfume and Myrrh essential oil was revealed to be one of the main ingredients. It was only then I understood the true essence and the fervour behind this oil. Whether you’re a DIY perfume enthusiast or a simply curious reader, here is our Myrrh scent description that is going to make you want a Myrrh perfume yourself. 

What Does Myrrh Smell Like? A Deep Dive Into Its Aromatic Profile

Before we dive deep into what does myrrh smell like, we need to know that myrrh essential oil comes from the sticky sap of the Commiphora Myrrha plant. So keep in mind that is what you’re smelling and not some leaves or flowers. 

Understanding the Scent of Myrrh: First Impressions and Notes

Rich. Soft. Soothing. Exotic. Intense. These are the rush of words that will cross your mind when you smell local Myrrh sap for the first time. Interestingly enough, some people have likened its smell and taste to that of slightly overcooked caramel sauce. To others the scent felt a little like nuts and raisins. Well, if you’re thinking which set of people are right, the answer is both. There is no sole prominent scent but a layering of different notes and that is what makes all the difference. 

Fragrance Profile of Myrrh

Let’s explore all the scent notes that make up the fragrance profile of Myrrh all the way down till the last detail - 

Earthy and Woody Notes

Don’t expect Myrrh to have a scent of tree bark like Cedarwood essential oil. No, the earthy and woody notes of Myrrh bear semblance to freshly watered garden soil and feels more delicate than the former.

Warm, Resinous, and Slightly Spicy Hints

The best visual description of these myrrh’s scent would be a plum cake. Like the cake which smells of holiday comfort, so does myrrh. The combined aromatic profile of ingredients such as nutmeg, cinnamon and dry fruits is much similar to myrrh essential oil’s own spicy and resinous fragrance. 

Comparisons to Other Scents (Frankincense, Amber, etc.)

The common thing between Frankincense, Amber and Myrrh is that they are all plant resins, so all of them share that gummy sweet smell of sap. However, the middle and the base notes of all three essential oils are very much different. Still, due to similar healing and grounding properties one, they have been substituted for the other since ancient Vedic period. 

What Influences Myrrh’s Aroma?

Now we have seemed to answer the million-dollar question of does myrrh smell good, let’s take a look at its extraction process-  

Source and Origin of Myrrh Resin

Myrrh resin comes from trees and it is not for the feeble handed. But don’t be worried because no trees are felled to obtain it. Instead expert collectors make a cut in the tree in such a way so that the sap bleeds out without harming the internal functioning of the tree. Essential oil formulators require hardened Myrrh gum to derive the potent liquid you know it as. 

Processing and Extraction Method

From the entire procedure, this is the easiest part. Once the best quality Myrrh resin is separated, it goes through the steam distillation process and the golden hued Myrrh essential oil is obtained. This next part is storage which again requires careful attention as the essential oils are extremely concentrated and flammable substances. 

Age and Storage Conditions

The packaging is the first indicator of whether you are using pure Myrrh essential oil or not. From the label’s end, the essential oil should be stored in airtight and sealed containers. Once you purchase, you should store your bottle of Myrrh essential oil in a cool, dry place. Make sure it is not in the way of direct sunlight for an extended shelf life.

Myrrh in Perfumery and Aromatherapy

If you were wondering what is Myrrh used for in perfume and what is so special about it, this upcoming section is going to take away your doubts.

Myrrh as a Base Note

The best part about using Myrrh essential oil for perfumes lies in fact that it doubles as an excellent natural fixative. Scents such as Myrrh help bind lighter notes of citrus and floral perfumes so that they last longer on your skin. I have noticed that after using Myrrh essential oil in my perfume, there was a depth and softness which contrasted the sharp scent that was too strong on the first whiff.

Blending Myrrh with Other Oils

Myrrh and its oils have not become a perfumers’ favourite in a day. No, over the years, many combinations and permutations of essential oil blends have been tried and tested to make a perfume that gives an ultimate olfactory experience. Some of the most popular blends that people love, use oils like vanilla essential oil, cinnamon bark essential oil, bulgarian rose essential oil, vetiver essential oil and more. 

Popular Perfumes That Use Myrrh

From Yves Saint Laurent Opium Legendes de China to Giorgio Armani Myrrhe Imperiale and Bulgari Spettacolore, Myrrh is a beloved perfume making ingredient for many of the old school luxury brands. 

Cultural and Historical Associations of Myrrh’s Scent

The history behind Myrrh’s origin and use is as long as it is diverse and if I begin explaining it we’ll be here for all day. But one thing that remains unchanged across all historical accounts is its deep religious connection. In ancient Egypt myrrh was used in the mummufication process that allowed the person to enter the hall of the dead. Myrrh bark and resin were also the original version of the incense sticks used in Indian temples for prayer.

Religious and Spiritual Use

It is to no one's shock that Myrrh essential oil has re-emeged as the top choice for aromatherapy oils. People who have trouble sleeping at night or suffer with anxiety are often advised to use myrrh essential oil in a diffuser for meditation to relax the mind and body and help it enter deep sleep.

Traditional Medicine and Rituals

The ancient Chinese healers swore by Myrrh’s medicinal properties and maybe you should too. Discover the powerful benefits and uses of Myrrh essential oil with Aromachology’s all-in-one guide and use our natural essential oils to formulate luxe perfumes, DIY soaps and cosmetics.