Incense and Myrrh Review

Fit for a king, this Oriental medley combines warm myrrh with burning frankincense, soft amber, wood and musk.

As soon as someone says 'Incense' I can instantly imagine what they are talking about. I remember the array of fragrant smokes from as far away as my visits to Asia or from closer locations like the fair trade retailer that is a few miles from my house. The use of incense is somewhat familiar to most of us in aromatherapy, meditation and religious ceremonies. 

Shanghai, Longhua Temple incense Photo by NosniboR80, CC License From:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Incenselonghua.jpg

However, If I was asked to explain to someone exactly what Myrhh is, I think I would be at loss! I definitely think of the Three Wise Men as well as other biblical references to myrhh, but as far as recalling a specific scent, nothing comes to mind. This lack of reference sent me on a short quest this morning to find out exactly what myrrh is!

And so, I bring to you my understanding and a simplified explanation of myrrh;  Myrrh is a combination of resin and aromatic natural oils which is harvested from a specific thorny tree species. Resin is sort of like sap, but where sap is sticky and is the sugars from the inner cells of a tree, resin is hard and glassy and from the outer cells of tree. (Resin acts as a plug to fill holes caused by damage or insects.) Resin can be heated like incense to release it's scent and/or is used to scent many modern day cosmetics and perfumes. 

The distinct scent of Myrrh has been around for over 5000 years! Frankincense is another aromatic resin, and amber is fossilized tree resin! 

Myrrh is commonly harvested from the species Commiphora Myrrhae 

To make a long story short, ScentSationals Incense and Myrrh fragrance delivers traditional and ancient aromas. These scents are significant to us during the Christmas and Holiday season due to their long lasting tradition in our history.

Whew! It is like I am back in school with all this new knowledge! And honestly? I think that my research is somewhat wasted. The most important thing is how this fragrance makes us FEEL... 

...and for me, releasing this traditional scent in my home  enhances the feeling of being warm and contented in our safe haven, regardless of how cold the night might be. 

 xxoo

Heather 

What's new this week?!

Try as I might, I just can't contain the joy of having a new baby granddaughter! So, of course, I thought I would share with you as she is definitely NEW this week!lol  Please join me in welcoming Tory Claire! She was born November 6th weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces and she is truly the sweetest little baby! I am so proud of her parents for creating such an amazing little human being!

And, while I celebrate Tory's arrival, I am also busy at work and keeping up and enjoying the process of bringing you news from our website and reviews so that you can pick your favorites! I suppose that I should also mention that we have four new fragrances in our web store this week, which we are always excited to have at a special price for you if you purchase one of each!

Check out Snowberry, Santa's Sugar Cookies, Incense and Myrrh and Bayberry!

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or one of the many other important occasions that come to us each year,  the addition of these scents to your home is sure to enhance everyone's spirits!

xxoo
Heather