Frankincense and myrrh are best known for their use as incense in religious rituals, but these revered herbs are potent medicines, that have been used by healers throughout history, to treat everything from serious infection to hair loss. Frankincense:is also known as Boswellia sacra and Boswellia carter. Dating back to Sumerian times, this fragrant resin was often transported via large caravans across the desert, from eastern African and Arabian regions, including Yemen, Oman, Ethiopia and Somalia. Its use as a medicine most likely started with the ancient Egyptians, who also charred it to make the famous black kohl eyeliner that adorned the faces of their noble women. Frankincense is central to almost every major religion from this region of the world, but its healing value often goes unmentioned in the history books. Frankincense oil has been used for millennia to help balance emotions and achieve a happier, more connected life. Modern science tells us that frankincense is rich in compounds known as sesquiterpenes, that have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the region of our brain that controls our feelings. One of the most common biomarkers of this plant, incensole acetate, is a known antidepressant that has shown very promising effects. The oil is also extremely beneficial for the skin and hair. It can be applied topically to treat dry skin, smoothen wrinkles, and strengthen hair roots. After battle, it was often relied upon to disinfect wounds, sooth muscle pain and reduce swelling. Because of its known anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense oil is often prescribed by naturopaths to treat patients who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Archaeologists even found frankincense resin buried in King Tut’s tomb. Myrrh is also known as commiphora myrrha. Like frankincense, myrrh is native to Northern Africa and the Middle East, including Ethiopia and Yemen. This revered plant resin actually appears in one of the oldest Egyptian medical texts, Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1550 B.C.! The ancient cultures knew of its curative effects. Beyond its use as a fragrance and for embalming purposes, early civilizations saw that it possessed quite a few healing properties. The Egyptians purchased it from the Phoenicians, for use in skin salves that were applied to wounds, sores and burns. Early doctors recognized myrrh’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Myrrh was prescribed for a wide array of physical ailments, including; coughs, asthma, indigestion, rashes, scrapes, burns, skin infection, hemorrhoids, joint pain, and sore throats. It was also used as a rejuvenating facial and massage treatment for women. Both of these sacred substances have endured quite a journey over the past five millennia. They were even forbidden by certain religions because of their association with pagan rituals. Frankincense and myrrh are now celebrated worldwide for their religious significance and their extreme healing potential is being rediscovered! If you are feeling adventurous and would like to create your own healing balm from these two timeless herbs, this link contains a recipe. Merry Christmas to all!
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:33:49 +0000