Soy Candles

Myrrh is a reddish-brown resinous material, the dried sap of the tree Commiphora myrrha.  It is native to Yemen, Somalia and the eastern parts of Ethiopia.

Myrrh was greatly valued in ancient times.  It was well worth its weight in gold.  It came to be synonymous with the word “perfume”.  Myrrh was one of the ingredients of perfumes in that time .  In ancient Rome it was valued 5 times as much as frankincense, even though frankincense was more popular.  Myrrh was used in Roman funerals to cover up the smell of the burning corpses,   They obviously believed in cremation as a source of burial.  It was also used to fumigate wine jars before bottling the wine.

Myrrh has a religious connection.  It was mentioned as a primary ingredient in the holy anointing oil Moses was commanded to make by God.  It was one of the gifts the Magi brought to the infant Jesus, was offered to Jesus during the crucifixion and was one of the spices used in preparing Jesus body for burial.  Today it is used by many churches in the preparation of chrism, which is consecrated oil used in baptism and confirmation. 

In the medical arena it is used as an antiseptic, found in mouthwashes, gargles and toothpastes for prevention and treatment of gum disease.  It is also used in some liniments and healing salves that can be applied to minor skin aliments and abrasions.  When the myrrh gum is mixed into vinegar it has a property that is used in alternative medicine to remove blood congestion and relieve pain.  It is used in the production of Fernet, a home remedy used in the treatment of menstrual and gastrointestinal discomforts, such as hangovers, baby colic and cholera.  Fernet is a bitter aromatic spirit made from over 40 herbs and spices.

Myrrh is also used as an ingredient in the making of scented soy candles.  You can find it in the fragrances of Oh Holy Night and Burning Desire. Herald in the new year with a gourmet soy candle or fragrance oil filling your home with a royal aroma.