In the beginning…
Myrrh, a fragrant resin, has a history as complex and rich as its fragrance. The resin of the myrrh tree has been used since ancient times for a variety of sacred and medicinal purposes. In ancient Egypt, it was used in embalming and religious rituals. The Greeks and Romans often burned myrrh as incense during religious ceremonies. In biblical texts, myrrh is mentioned several times, notably as one of the gifts given by the three wise men at the birth of Jesus. In Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, myrrh has been used as a remedy for many ailments.
The cultivation of myrrh
The myrrh tree, or Commiphora myrrha, grows primarily in the arid regions of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. The tree's resin is harvested by making incisions in the tree's bark and allowing the sap to dry to form lumps of resin called "myrrh tears."
Growing the myrrh tree requires a semi-arid climate and well-drained soil. The tree is drought-resistant and can survive in harsh conditions. Myrrh is harvested from November to January, when the sap has solidified after flowing from the tree. Harvesting is a laborious process that requires specific skills and know-how to avoid damaging the tree.
What did you know about myrrh in perfumery?
Raw myrrh is cleaned of impurities and then distilled to extract the essential oil. This oil, rich in sesquiterpenes, gives myrrh its unique fragrance. In perfumery, myrrh oil is used as a fixative to extend the life of other scents in a perfume. It can also be used to add body and depth to a fragrance.
Myrrh belongs to the amber olfactory family . Fragrances in this family are often rich, opulent, spicy, and resinous. They are often paired with base notes, conveying a sense of mystery and sophistication.
The scent of myrrh is complex and difficult to describe. It is often described as having a balsamic, slightly spicy, and slightly smoky odor. Some people say it has a hint of undergrowth or dried earth. Its fragrance is resinous and rich.
Myrrh blends well with a variety of other fragrance notes. It is often combined with other resins such as frankincense, benzoin, and labdanum. Citrus, spices, and woods can add depth and complexity. Rose and jasmine can add a floral touch, creating a rich and sumptuous scent.
Some mythical perfumes with myrrh
• Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
Launched in 1977, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is a spicy oriental fragrance that has become a true perfume icon. Myrrh, combined with other notes such as clove, cinnamon, and pepper, gives Opium its distinctly oriental and bold character. The base is dominated by patchouli, musk, and amber, which enhance the depth and sensuality of this fragrance.
• Myrrh and Delirium by Guerlain
Myrrh and Delirium is a warm and captivating fragrance from Guerlain. Light floral top notes give way to a heart dominated by myrrh. The fragrance also features notes of licorice and patchouli, creating an interesting contrast between sweet and bitter. Vanilla softens the overall effect, offering a soft and delicately woody finish.
• Myrrhe Impériale by Giorgio Armani
Part of the " Armani Privé " collection, Myrrhe Impériale is a tribute to the Orient. Myrrh reigns supreme, exuding all its resinous, almost smoky richness. It is beautifully enveloped by the warmth of amber and the gourmand sweetness of vanilla. The result is a luxurious and refined fragrance that evokes the opulence of oriental palaces.
• Myrrh & Musk from Rebatchi
A magnetic fragrance, where the sacred scents of myrrh and incense envelop each other in a silky caress. Airy with juniper and pink berries at the top, its trail undulates between the softness of musks and the depth of woods. Both addictive and mysterious.
• The Myrrh of Serge Lutens
This eau de parfum from the exclusive " Les Salons du Palais Royal " collection showcases myrrh with its resinous and slightly bitter notes from the top note. The heart of the fragrance blends amber and wood, creating a deep warmth. In the base, vanilla and musk add a sensual sweetness, balancing the bitterness of myrrh. It is a complex and captivating fragrance, ideal for lovers of oriental and resinous fragrances, combining the mystique of myrrh with contemporary sophistication.
