Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Lotion Bars

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Gold frankincense and myrrh lotion bars recipe
Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Lotion Bars

Growing up, I remembered hearing the Christmas story and the gifts the wise men brought. I wondered what the significance of frankincense and myrrh were. Gold seemed obvious, but I was curious about the purpose of the other two gifts.

After I started studying herbal remedies and discovered how frankincense and myrrh were traditionally used, I realized these gifts were actually even more practical than the gold.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Myrrh was used during ancient times (and still is) in anointing oils. This exotic resin is naturally anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, and antiviral. It was used on wounds to ward off infection and was often used on the umbilical cord to keep it clean while healing. Myrrh was also said to help soothe the emotions and could have been used on babies to calm them.

Frankincense was used in perfumes and was also helpful for improving hormone balance (like after pregnancy). It was historically used to soothe skin wounds and stretch marks. Some say it was used in traditional cultures to calm mom and baby after birth. As the baby grew, it was used to help them stay calm and relaxed. A 2019 animal study backs this up with its findings that Frankincense essential oil helps reduce stress levels.

Frankincense was also said to help digestive problems. According to a 2020 review, researchers found frankincense helped with inflammation and eczema. There are certainly deeper spiritual meanings to take from the gifts, but they also served a practical purpose.

In modern times, frankincense and myrrh are often used in natural remedies. Many include them in DIY moisturizing skin creams. I use frankincense in this face cream. You could also incorporate these oils into other skin care concoctions, like body butter or lip balm.

A Gift From Afar…

I was using diluted frankincense on my thyroid externally and wanted an easier way to apply it. I immediately thought of a lotion bar. With Christmas approaching, this is a fun way to combine the three gifts of the Magi into one lotion bar. The result smells woodsy and amazing and leaves a faint gold shimmer on the skin.

It is perfect for winter, easy for beginners, and so much fun to make. If you need some DIY gift ideas, try some of these frankincense, gold, and myrrh lotion bars (they make good stocking stuffers too!).

Lotion Bar Supplies

This homemade lotion bar recipe is simple to make with all-natural ingredients. We don’t even need preservatives since there’s no water in it. However, you could add some vitamin E oil to prevent the oils from oxidizing and extend the shelf life.

  • Shea Butter  – Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter reduces inflammation and joint pain. It reportedly smooths skin and helps with fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Coconut Oil –  This oil easily melts into the skin but is solid at room temperature. It helps give the lotion bars their shape while hydrating the skin.
  • Beeswax –  Helps to add a protective layer to the skin and keeps the lotion bars firm.
  • Gold Mica Powder (for color and shimmer)
  • Frankincense Essential Oil
  • Myrrh Essential Oil

Optional: Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils. Lavender is calming and relaxing. Its floral scent mixes nicely with the woodsy scent of frankincense and myrrh. Peppermint is refreshing and invigorating for a nice pick-me-up.

You can use deodorant containers, muffins tins, silicone molds, or round twist-up tubes as well. Here are the silicone molds I used for the lotion bars in the picture.

Tip for Using Lotion Bars

If you haven’t used a lotion bar before, it’s basically hard lotion. If your home is really cold, the bars may seem really hard at first. You may find the lotion bars difficult to apply, but here’s a tip. Gently press the lotion bar onto your skin and let your body temperature warm it up first. Once it starts to melt it will glide on more easily.

Gold frankincense and myrrh lotion bars recipe
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5 from 6 votes

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Lotion Bars Recipe

These woodsy smelling lotion bars are great for moisturizing and soothing skin.
Prep Time15 minutes
cooling time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 3 lotion bars
Author: Katie Wells

Instructions

  • Melt the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil in a double boiler.
  • Remove the oils from the heat and then add the mica powder and essential oils.
  • Pour the mixture into empty deodorant containers, lotion bar tubes, or silicone molds. Put them in the fridge and let cool until completely hardened.
  • If using a mold, put the lotion bars in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This makes them much easier to pop out. Don't leave them in the freezer too long though or it will negatively affect the texture.

Notes

To use: Rub on dry skin to nourish, moisturize, and leave a natural shimmer.
Shelf life and storage: Store in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat. This recipe should last for one year or more when stored correctly

This article was medically reviewed by Jessica Meyers, MPAP, PA-C, RH(AHG), who specializes in herbal protocols and functional medicine. You can also find Jessica on Instagram. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Have you ever tried using gold, frankincense, and myrrh in a recipe before? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

82 responses to “Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Lotion Bars”

  1. Melissa Avatar

    Hi there! I’m looking at experimenting with tallow in my skincare and have loved your suggested recipes. Is it possible to add tallow to these bars? If so, how would you adjust the recipe? Thank you!

    1. Jamie Larrison Avatar

      You could but cocoa butter is firmer than both coconut oil and shea butter so it will affect the hardness of the lotion bars. I’d experiment with replacing half of the shea butter with cocoa butter and see how you like it.

  2. Mei Avatar

    Hi wellness mama! This idea is such a blessing at the right time for me- along with your lotion recipes. Thankyou for sharing xo

  3. Chelsea Avatar

    Hi Katie, I apologize if this has been asked and I did try to check in the comments, my question is are you using pure frankincense and myrrh essential oils or are the frankincense and myrrh in a carrier oil? I ask because I have both EO’s in jojoba as a carrier. Otherwise, they are both super-expensive for me. I’m really looking forward to making these and have all the ingredients, I think!

  4. Debra White Avatar
    Debra White

    How do you measure a 1/3 cup of Shea butter when it is in a bar form. Do you shave it or chop it?

  5. Christy Jones Avatar
    Christy Jones

    Hello Katie. I really enjoy your website and appreciate all the trouble you go to in exploring and researching natural ways to stay beautiful and healthy. Back in July I broke out into a rash that lasted for weeks. My nutritionist thought this could be auto-immune and so did the conventional doctor because I do have rheumatoid arthritis. The rash has left my skin bumpy and and wrinkly looking. I want to get back that smooth skin I had. Do you have any suggestions? I eat very well and juice my veggies several times a week and drink bone broth daily.

  6. Bosan Avatar

    Would love to recieve e-letters and follow u but can’t find d portal for the add up , can you help ?

  7. Ellen Avatar

    Thank you for this recipe Katy. I will definitely make some, since I have already ordered Myrrhe and Frankincense oils.
    However, thinking of the “gold”, I recently saw The Truth About Cancer and there the suggestion was that it could actually be curcumin.
    I must say I would rather put some gold mica powder on my skin than curcumin. 🙂

  8. Donna Walsh Avatar
    Donna Walsh

    I have heard NOT to use plastic containers when adding essential oils to a DIY product as the oils evaporate. Does that happen with these bars?

    Thanks!

  9. Sarah Avatar

    This looks like a great recipe- I am just wondering if it can be done with just the Coconut oil, Shea butter, Frankincense, & Myrrh essential oil drops. I don’t have beeswax or gold, and am wondering if it would still make for a good lotion 🙂

  10. Mieshel Avatar

    I tried it with honey. The honey just separates from the cooled, hardened bars.

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