Table of Contents
Updated October 2026
Frankincense and myrrh are the ancient resin pair, traded side by side along the incense routes for thousands of years. Together they make a warm, grounding, slightly smoky blend that's lovely in a roller for quiet, calming moments. Here's how to make frankincense and myrrh rollers, where to apply them, safe dilutions, and five easy recipes.
Meet Frankincense and Myrrh
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is sweet, resinous and lightly woody. It's traditionally used for mature skin, deep, calm breathing, emotional burnout and quiet reflection. See my full frankincense essential oil guide.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is earthy, smoky and slightly bitter. It's traditionally used for chapped, dry skin, grief, emotional burnout and grounding. It's also a natural fixative that helps a blend's scent last longer. Learn more about what blends well with myrrh.
When to Use a Frankincense and Myrrh Roller
- During prayer, meditation or journaling
- When emotions feel heavy, like during grief or a hard season
- As part of a wind-down routine before bed
- On travel days or before a busy event
- On dry hands and cuticles
Supplies
- 10 ml glass roller bottles
- Frankincense and myrrh essential oils
- A carrier oil like jojoba, fractionated coconut or sweet almond oil
- Labels
Not sure whether to use a roller or a dropper? See roller bottles vs dropper bottles.
Safe Dilution
Dilution guidelines for these rollers
- Face: 1% (2 drops total in 10 ml).
- Body: up to 3% total, with frankincense at 2% or less (4 drops) and myrrh at 3% or less.
- Kids 6+: 1%, frankincense only. Skip myrrh for children.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid myrrh. Use a frankincense-only roller and check with your provider.
Where to Apply
Roll onto your wrists, the back of the neck, over the heart, or the soles of your feet, then take a few slow breaths. Keep it away from your eyes. Learn more about where to apply essential oils for stress.
5 Frankincense and Myrrh Roller Recipes
For each recipe, add the essential oils to a 10 ml roller, top with carrier oil, and roll gently to mix.
1. Simple Single-Oil Rollers
Adults
- Frankincense only: 2 to 4 drops (1% to 2%)
- Myrrh only: 2 to 4 drops (1% to 2%)
- Classic pair: 4 drops Frankincense + 2 drops Myrrh (3%)
2. Everyday Calm
Adults, 3%
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Myrrh
- 3 drops Lavender
Soft and soothing for any time of day.
3. Deep Roots
Adults, 3%
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Myrrh
- 2 drops Vetiver or Patchouli
Earthy and grounding for meditation or a heavy day.
4. Soothing Sleep
Adults, 3%
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Myrrh
Roll on as part of your bedtime routine.
5. Travel Calm
Adults, 3%
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Myrrh
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
Bright and steadying for travel days.
Make It Your Own
- Swap lavender for bergamot FCF for a brighter blend.
- Add sandalwood for a creamy, woody note.
- For skin care, use rosehip or jojoba and keep face blends at 1%.
Safety and Storage
- Patch test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
- Avoid myrrh during pregnancy and breastfeeding. See my list of essential oils for pregnancy.
- Taking medication or managing a health condition? Check with your provider first.
- Keep oils away from cats, and out of reach of children.
- Wipe the myrrh bottle rim after each use so the drying resin doesn't seal the cap. Store rollers cool and dark.
More Frankincense and Myrrh
- What Blends Well With Frankincense and Myrrh?
- What Are Resin Essential Oils?
- Frankincense Diffuser Blends
- Frankincense Essential Oil: Uses, Types and Safety
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