The vast and desolate Namibian desert and the people and plants that inhabit it are the inspiration behind Mbiri. The core of Mbiri lies in the unique ingredient called Namibian Myrrh.

Namibian Myrrh essential oil is extracted from the resin of the Commiphora wildii plant which grows in the foothills of the Namibian desert, specifically in north west Namibia. This plant is endemic to this region and in the dry seasons it naturally exudes a golden coloured resin which has been used for centuries by the Himba women who live in this arid landscape.

Namibian Myrrh is an ancient traditional ingredient and Himba women will teach their daughters where to find it and how to use it. Now that the ingredient is being used to generate an income the hope is that this will keep the tradition alive.

The money the women generate from harvesting Namibian Myrrh resin has become an intricate part of their living and the conservancies that harvest this resin have been registered as community forests which means that the resource will forever belong to the people of this land…