Frankincense and myrrh are both aromatic plant resins (often called “gum- resins”) obtained from the sap of certain small desert trees.

What they are, in simple terms

  • Frankincense and myrrh are natural exudates (dried sap) from trees in the Burseraceae family.
  • They harden into yellow‑brown to reddish granules or tears that are burned as incense, used in perfumes, and processed into extracts and essential oils.

Quick mini‑breakdown

  • Frankincense : An aromatic resin from Boswellia species; rich in resins and essential oils used for incense, perfume, and traditional remedies.
  • Myrrh : An aromatic oleo‑gum‑resin from Commiphora species, described as a yellow, sap‑like resin or gum resin with a bitter taste.

In chemistry/plant‑product terms, the “type of substance” for both is best described as an aromatic oleo‑gum‑resin (a mix of resin, gum, and volatile oils), commonly referred to simply as resin.

TL;DR: Frankincense and myrrh are natural aromatic resins (oleo‑gum‑resins) from desert trees, used historically and today as incense, perfume ingredients, and herbal preparations.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.