As a kid, I always heard about the Christmas story and the gifts the wise men brought. While gold was pretty straightforward, I was curious about why they chose frankincense and myrrh.
Once I got into studying herbal remedies, I found out that frankincense and myrrh were actually really practical gifts, maybe even more so than the gold. Back in ancient times, and even now, myrrh was used in anointing oils. This exotic resin has natural antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. It was often applied to wounds to prevent infection and used on the umbilical cord to keep it clean as it healed. Myrrh was also believed to help soothe emotions, so it might have been used to calm babies.
Frankincense, on the other hand, was used in perfumes and to help balance hormones, especially after pregnancy. Historically, it was beneficial for soothing skin wounds and stretch marks and was used in traditional cultures to calm mothers and babies after birth. As kids grew, frankincense helped keep them relaxed. A 2019 animal study even supports the idea that frankincense essential oil can lower stress levels. It also reportedly helped with digestion, and a 2020 review noted its effectiveness against inflammation and eczema. Beyond their spiritual meanings, these gifts were quite practical.
Today, you’ll often find frankincense and myrrh in natural remedies, with many people using them in homemade moisturizing skin creams. I personally like using frankincense in face cream, but you can include these oils in other skin care recipes, like body butter or lip balm.
At one point, I was applying diluted frankincense to my thyroid externally and needed a more convenient method. Immediately, I thought of a lotion bar. With Christmas right around the corner, it seemed like a fun idea to combine the three gifts of the Magi into one lotion bar. This bar has a woodsy smell with a subtle gold shimmer that’s perfect for winter. It’s easy enough for beginners and really fun to make. If you’re looking for DIY gift ideas, these frankincense, gold, and myrrh lotion bars are fantastic options and make great stocking stuffers.
Making this homemade lotion bar is straightforward, using all-natural ingredients. Since it doesn’t contain water, there’s no need for preservatives, though adding some vitamin E oil can help prevent the oils from oxidizing and extend the shelf life.
Optional ingredients include lavender and peppermint essential oils. Lavender is calming and pairs well with the woodsy scent of frankincense and myrrh. Peppermint adds a refreshing and invigorating touch.
For shaping the bars, you can use deodorant containers, muffin tins, silicone molds, or round twist-up tubes. I used some silicone molds for the bars shown in the picture.
If you’ve never used a lotion bar before, it’s essentially solid lotion. If your home is really cold, the bars might feel quite hard at first. To apply, gently press the bar against your skin; your body heat will warm it up and make it glide on smoothly.
Have you ever tried using gold, frankincense, and myrrh in your own recipes? Feel free to share your experience!
