For me the aromas of Frankincense and Myrrh are particularly evocative of Christmas, and I love their earthy aromatic fragrance. The Three Wise Men gave both as gifts, along with gold, to baby Jesus and as a result, they have had a long association with the spiritual side of the festivities, used as incense for rituals of worship, meditation and purification.
Whilst each was extremely valuable in their own right, they were also used for their healing properties. And, what is more, these two resins and precious metal are till being used to-day in natural health for a wide variety of conditions.
Frankincense – Boswellia Serrata and myrrh are both resins from complementary originate from the Arabian Peninsula, particularly southern around Oman. Through trade routes it found its way to China where it was used to improve blood circulation disorders, painful swelling, including ulcers and tumours.
Frankincense, as a result of its anti-inflammatory qualities it’s used for arthritis, I often add this to warm herbal oil for massaging arthritic joints. In ancient Egypt it was used to embalm bodies.
It has a wonderful tonifying and rejuvenating effect on skin in the fight against wrinkles. In addition I would add it to a mix to heal and reduce scar tissue.
As an expectorant for phlegm it can be used as a steam inhalation to soothe inflamed mucous membranes in the respiratory system and is therefore helpful in treating coughs, laryngitis and Bronchitis.
Myrrh – Commiphora mol mol – Originally used in China for arthritis and skin infections – it’s particularly effective against staphylococcus bacteria. Again, like Frankincense, it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It’s also a very strong anti-fungal helpful in curing Candida and thrush,
Myrrh is great for any wound or ulcer which is slow to heal and it’s also known as the skin preserver
Has a much stronger anti-septic action than Frankincense and is a great mouth wash for gum infections and inflammations. I use it with other herbs such as Echinacea, lavender and sage.
Myrrh is also great for lowering blood fats and cholesterol in coronary heart disease.
Both can also be used successfully, along with other herbs to treat menstrual problems, including painful or absent periods.
And then there is Gold, which as a metal seems an unusual as a potential medicine. However, in Ayurveda and Unani system of medicine precious metals, including gold and silver are used. Recent research is looking at gold for heart disease and Angina in preparations which have undergone lengthy and complex purification processes to prevent any potential toxicity affecting the body’s vital organs. Alternatively an infusion is made by boiling the metals in purified water and drinking the
Gold can also be taken homoeopathically (Aurum Met or Aurum Mur) for angina – The Romans believed gold ‘gave vigour and strength to the heart’; depression; headaches and some menstrual disorders. However, If you think any of these wonderful ancient remedies could potentially help you please consult a qualified health practitioner.
These are just some uses of these two wonderful, versatile herbs and a precious metal. And as I light my candles at Christmas, I will wonder if, perhaps, the Magi not only gave them as a valuable gift to Jesus but also for the benefit of this very special baby’s health.
