As someone who loves blending history with hands-on herbalism, I was excited to dive into this book while burning frankincense resin in my diffuser. The scent absolutely elevated the reading experience—it felt like stepping into an ancient apothecary.

The historical section is the star here. Reading about Egyptian rituals while surrounded by that smoky, citrusy aroma made the past feel vivid. But I did notice a few timeline inconsistencies that pulled me out of the moment, like when Assyrian trade routes suddenly overlapped incorrectly with Sumerian periods.

Where the book falls short is practical application. As an aromatherapy enthusiast, I expected detailed preparation methods beyond just 'soak resin in alcohol.' Where are the ratios? The timing specifics? The safety precautions? It's frustrating when promising recipes lack technical depth.

The botany chapter left me equally wanting. While it beautifully describes the trees' appearance, crucial growing conditions are missing. I found myself Googling rainfall requirements mid-chapter—information that should have been included for anyone considering sustainable harvesting.

That said, curling up with this book while diffusing myrrh oil created a wonderfully immersive experience. The scent-to-text connection made ancient practices feel tangible, even if some modern applications felt underexplored. It's a good starting point, but bring your own essential oils—and maybe a historian friend to fact-check those timelines!