Myrrh is a red-brown resinous material,

the dried sap of the Commiphora myrrha tree, indigenous to Somalia. A number of other Commiphora or Balsamodendron saps are also known as myrrh, including that from Commiphora erythraea (sometimes called East Indian myrrh), Commiphora opobalsamum, and Balsamodendron kua. Myrrh is a constituent of perfumes and incense, and was highly prized in ancient times. Its name is derived from the Hebrew murr or maror, meaning “bitter.”

Myrrh was one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus in the story told in the Gospel of Matthew. Myrrh was used as an embalming ointment. Although pleasant in its solid state, when burned it has a scent reminiscent of dung, and so it was used up until about the 15th century as a penitential incense in funerals and cremations, alluded to in the Christmas carol We Three Kings. The scent can also be used in mixtures of incense to provide an earthy element to the overall smell, and as an additive to wine, a practice alluded to by ancient authorities, such as Fabius Dorsennus. It is also used in various perfumes, toothpastes, lotions, and other modern toiletries.

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