Both frankincense and myrrh are prized for their alluring fragrance, and both are derived from tree sap, or gum resin. Frankincense (a milky white resin) is extracted from species of the genus Boswellia, which thrive in arid, cool areas of the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and India. The finest, most aromatic of this species is Boswellia sacra, a small tree that grows in Somalia, Oman and Yemen. These plants grow up to 16 feet tall with papery bark, sparse leaves that are grouped in pairs, and white petaled flowers with yellow or red centers.
Myrrh on the other hand, comes from species of the genus Commiphora, which are native to northeast Africa and the adjacent areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Commiphora myrrha, a tree commonly used to harvest myrrh (a reddish resin) is found in the shallow, rocky soils of Ethiopia, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Somalia. It grows up to 9 feet tall, has spiny branches with sparse leaves that grow in groups of three. Myrrh is an oleoresin, meaning that it is a natural blend of an essential oil and a resin. Myrrh gum is waxy when it first begins to run, but it coagulates quickly, then, after the harvest, the gum becomes hard and glossy. It begins by looking yellowish, either clear or opaque, but it darkens as it ages, and white streaks emerge too.
As previously stated, the processes for extracting the sap of both the Boswellia (for frankincense) and the Commiphora (for myrrh) trees are essentially identical. Harvesters make a longitudinal cut in the tree's trunk that pierces the gum resin reservoirs that are located within the bark. As the sap slowly seeps from the cut and drips down the tree it forms tear-shaped droplets that are left to harden on the tree. These "tears" are then collected after two weeks and taken to market.
The quality of the resin, especially with the myrrh, is dependent upon the variety of the tree that it is harvested from. Myrrh from the Commiphora gileadensis is the Biblically referenced Balm of Gilead while many of the Commiphora and Balsamodendron species are used as perfumes, medicines (such as aromatic wound dressings), and incense ingredients. But a lesser quality myrrh is bled from the Commiphora erythraea tree, and "myrrh beads", while fragrant, are actually made from the crushed seeds of Detarium microcarpum, a completely unrelated West African tree.
So why did the wise men take frankincense and myrrh as gifts for the King of Kings? Both of these resins were fairly expensive at that time, and held great symbolic value, as well as many practical uses. Frankincense and myrrh were highly desirable for personal, religious and medicinal uses. In this time, before bathing was a daily event, people would use the [sweet] smoke from the resins to make themselves smell better, a historic perfume so to speak. And ancient Egyptian women used the ash of frankincense to mix into their eye shadow. According to the Greek writer, Herodotus, the Egyptians used frankincense and myrrh in the preparation of animal sacrifices, and also in the preparation of human mummies, which was how humans were prepared for burial. Hebrews and Christians then incorporated frankincense and myrrh into their ceremonies during the third century and used then in both their religious ceremonies and burials.
Frankincense, which was often burned, came to symbolize the people's prayers rising to heaven like the smoke, and the myrrh, which was often used in burials, symbolize death. (It is said that a mixture of wine and myrrh was offered to Jesus during his crucifixion).
Medicinally, the priests of Papyrus Ebers in the 1500's ( BC) prescribed both resins for the treatment of wounds. They were prescribed to cure many ailments, including; hemlock poisoning, leprosy, worms, snakebites, diarrhea, plague, scurvy and even baldness! The high demand for these "all purpose" healers created a booming trade in the Middle East which lasted several hundred years. At one point Arabia was recorded as producing approximately 1,680 tons of frankincense, and around 448 tons of myrrh each year. They exported frankincense across Mesopotamia, India and China from about 300 B.C. well into the third century, where the resins became entrenched in other cultures spiritual and medical history.
In fact, both of these resins are still used in traditional Chinese medicine, where myrrh is classified as bitter and spicy, with a neutral temperature. And is said to have special efficacy on the heart, liver, and spleen meridians, as well as "blood-moving" powers to purge stagnant blood from the uterus. It is therefore recommended for rheumatic, arthritic, and circulatory problems, and for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, and uterine tumors. Its uses are similar to those of frankincense, and the two are quite often combined and used together in various decoctions and liniments, as well as incense. When they are used in concert, myrrh is considered "blood-moving", while frankincense is said to move the Qi, making it useful for arthritic conditions.
They are often combined with herbs such as notoginseng, safflower, angelica, cinnamon, and Salvia, and are usually mixed in alcohol. They are used internally, as well as externally.
In Africa, myrrh is very commonly used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes. It is used as an active agent in the prevention and treatment of gum disease. Myrrh is also (currently) used in some liniments and healing salves, meant to be applied to abrasions and other minor skin ailments. There it is also recommended as an analgesic, for use in cases of toothaches, and, in liniments for bruises, aches, and sprains.
Laboratory studies have been done to determine how myrrh improves sugar tolerance, after Kuwaiti diabetics were found to get positive results from a traditional herbal formula. The myrrh and aloe gums were found to effectively improve glucose tolerance in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Additionally,
myrrh was shown to produce analgesic effects on mice that were subjected to pain. Research showed that a couple of the terpens found in the myrrh affect the opioid receptors in the mouse's brain, which influences the pain perception. In human testing, myrrh has been shown to lower the bad cholesterol, LDL, while increasing the HDL, the good cholesterol.
Then there is an Egyptian drug called Mirazid, which is made from myrrh, and it has been investigated as an oral treatment for some parasitic ailments.
As you can see, while frankincense and myrrh may not be as popular as they once were, they are still used today, and in some ways that you may not expect. Both resins are still common ingredients in modern perfumes and cosmetics, continuing a tradition that began thousands of years ago. But scientists are finding new uses for them as well. Recent studies suggest that frankincense may be beneficial to asthma sufferers, people with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, osteoarthritis and collagenous colitis. Researchers also have discovered possible benefits of myrrh in the treatment of gastric ulcers, tumors and parasites. Frankincense has been clinically researched to combat cancer, and for its value as an antidepressant. It is being researched for its ability to simulate human growth hormone production, and to assist in hormone balance. In fact, frankincense is commonly used in European hospitals.
Frankincense and myrrh are used in essential oil form as a natural treatment for the skin, to strengthen the immune system and fight viruses and bacteria, and for emotional and spiritual benefits. Myrrh has been said to represent mother energy, and frankincense father energy. They are still used for spiritual “anointing” and in energy work, where the vibrational frequency of these oils can uplift the spirit, draw on spiritual and emotional protection, and aid in meditation. They may be diffused in the air, as at holiday time, or applied on the chakras or energy tapping treatment points.
No matter how you look at them, frankincense and myrrh are much more than old resins, and much better than good smelling resins. So this holiday season, when you smell the aroma of frankincense and myrrh, think about the history they've been a part of and wonder about the history they are currently making.
Showing posts with label myrrh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label myrrh. Show all posts
Friday- Frankincense and Myrrh
TGIF everyone! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend planned. I am hoping that my computer will be delivered tomorrow or Saturday, Monday at the latest, so my thoughts are really on completing my book. But I am still in a quandary about its format. Also, I really want to cover all of the things that people want to know about essential oils. All the questions that you have wondered about, but have had difficulty finding answers about. So please, if you have any questions about essential oils, using them, blending them, or anything else related to them, let me know. You can either comment here, or you can write me at UniqueGardenEssences@gmail.com. Please put "book" in the subject line so that I can easily recognize it. Also, if you any specific area of interest that you would like to see expounded upon, please let me know that too. Next week I will be sharing some of my intended chapters with you, but I am pretty flexible at this point, so I will happily consider any of your requests! I really would like to offer the most detailed and user friendly reference book that has ever been published, so, as you can see, my goals are very lofty and your help would be appreciated!
A friend of mine made some frankincense and myrrh soap last night, and as we were discussing all the details that bath and body enthusiasts like to discuss, I began wondering just how long these fragrances have been around. I know they are mentioned in the Bible, and soon we will be celebrating Christmas, ...please don't shoot me, it really is coming quickly!.... so I decided to get into the spirit of things and take a look at these two oils that date back to the birth of Christ. Today I'll introduce them and the conclusion will be posted next week, on Teaching Tuesday.
The first thing that I found when I began researching frankincense and myrrh is that they have been in active use as incenses, ritual tools, and for their healing properties since at least 1500 bc. That is 1,500 years before Christ's birth. There have been times in ancient history when they have been considered so valuable that they were traded in equal weight and value to gold. In fact, during times of scarcity, their value rose even higher than that of gold.
Frankincense and myrrh are closely related species of balsams, commiphora myrrha (the myrrh), and boswellia carteri (the frankincense). They both originate in Africa and the Middle East, and both are resins. Frankincense is a milky white resin, while myrrh is an oleoresin. An oleoresin is a natural blend of an essential oil and a resin, making it a natural gum. It is waxey and becomes hard and glossy after it is harvested. The gum can be yellowish, clear or opaques, and as it ages, it darkens deeply and white streaks emerge. The resin is harvested from the small, knotted trees, where it is derived from the tree sap, aka the gum resin. When a tree wound penetrates through the bark of the tree and into the sapwood, the tree bleeds the resin. Myrrh gum and frankincense are both such resins. To harvest they wound the trees repeatedly and bleed them of their gum. Then the essential oil is distilled from the resin. Both frankincense and myrrh are prized for their alluring fragrance and both are known for their use as a sacred tool in many cultures. Frankincense Tears are known for their use in consecration, meditation, protection and purifying, while myrrh is known for protection, purification,
healing and magical potency.
Now that we have discussed the very basics, I will leave the rest until next week. So come back Tuesday, when we will explore the ancient uses of these resins, as well as the modern day applications. You may be surprised at what the science is showing/proving about these resins!
A friend of mine made some frankincense and myrrh soap last night, and as we were discussing all the details that bath and body enthusiasts like to discuss, I began wondering just how long these fragrances have been around. I know they are mentioned in the Bible, and soon we will be celebrating Christmas, ...please don't shoot me, it really is coming quickly!.... so I decided to get into the spirit of things and take a look at these two oils that date back to the birth of Christ. Today I'll introduce them and the conclusion will be posted next week, on Teaching Tuesday.
The first thing that I found when I began researching frankincense and myrrh is that they have been in active use as incenses, ritual tools, and for their healing properties since at least 1500 bc. That is 1,500 years before Christ's birth. There have been times in ancient history when they have been considered so valuable that they were traded in equal weight and value to gold. In fact, during times of scarcity, their value rose even higher than that of gold.
Frankincense and myrrh are closely related species of balsams, commiphora myrrha (the myrrh), and boswellia carteri (the frankincense). They both originate in Africa and the Middle East, and both are resins. Frankincense is a milky white resin, while myrrh is an oleoresin. An oleoresin is a natural blend of an essential oil and a resin, making it a natural gum. It is waxey and becomes hard and glossy after it is harvested. The gum can be yellowish, clear or opaques, and as it ages, it darkens deeply and white streaks emerge. The resin is harvested from the small, knotted trees, where it is derived from the tree sap, aka the gum resin. When a tree wound penetrates through the bark of the tree and into the sapwood, the tree bleeds the resin. Myrrh gum and frankincense are both such resins. To harvest they wound the trees repeatedly and bleed them of their gum. Then the essential oil is distilled from the resin. Both frankincense and myrrh are prized for their alluring fragrance and both are known for their use as a sacred tool in many cultures. Frankincense Tears are known for their use in consecration, meditation, protection and purifying, while myrrh is known for protection, purification,
healing and magical potency.
Now that we have discussed the very basics, I will leave the rest until next week. So come back Tuesday, when we will explore the ancient uses of these resins, as well as the modern day applications. You may be surprised at what the science is showing/proving about these resins!
Teaching Tuesday-More Healing Herbs
A few times we have gone over some of the reported healing affects of common herbs and spices. There are so many and this Fallish time of year, my thoughts are always leaning toward the herbs and spices, so here are a few more to add to your cabinet!
Winter always makes me think of Myrrh, but what is myrrh and what can it be used for? Myrrh is a resin that is highly aromatic. Aside from the luscious scent that it produces, myrrh possesses antiseptic qualities, and is, in fact, found in many commercial toothpastes. As an antiseptic, its tincture is used frequently used to treat canker sores and gum disease, as well as minor cuts. When inhaled, its volatile oil is good for relieving congestion.
Another nice Fall/Winter spice is clove. Cloves are high in antioxidants, and are antiseptic and antispasmodic in nature. Direct use of Clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for toothaches. Additionally, cloves are a proven preservative. A ham studded with cloves will last a few days longer (in the fridge) than one that does not contain the cloves. In South America, people routinely drink clove tea and liquor made from cloves, to fight digestive disorders. Since the main ingredient in cloves is eugenol, it stands to reason that this herb would be useful in combating intestinal problems, as eugenol has been known to kill bacteria and viruses for quite some time. In fact, cloves are known/proven to fight e. coli , commonly the cause of "travelers diarrhea". Besides an antispetic, the eugenol in cloves also makes the herb effective as a painkiller. Here in the USA, this generally just means that you will find clove oil as an ingredient in most over-the-counter tooth ache remedies. But in other countries, poultices of clove are often used on the skin for cuts, bites and those sort of problems. Studies have shown that clove oil can help kill several strains of staph, and even one strain of pseudomonas, organisms that can cause skin infections. Aside from utilizing the clove oil, you can also make a paste from ground up cloves and water to use as a poultice. To make clove tea (for intestinal issues), use one teaspoon of powdered cloves per cup of boiling water. Steep for ten to twenty minutes, strain and drink when cool enough.
And, of course, what cool weather herb discussion would be complete without cinnamon? Cinnamon is also an antioxidant, and has antimicrobial properties. In fact, it improves insulin sensitivity while lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating 1/2 of a teaspoon twice a day, before meals, can help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon prevents infections and fights indigestion, and has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it is mentioned by ancient Chinese herbalists as far back as 2700 B.C., and modern day Chinese herbalists still recommend it for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. Cinnamon not only appears to help diabetics metabolize sugar, but it helps to soothe the stomach lining, suppress the cause of most urinary tract infections (which is e.coli), and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections, cabdida albicans. Because of its tasty and versatile usage, cinnamon is probably the easiest treatment to incorporate into your life.
Winter always makes me think of Myrrh, but what is myrrh and what can it be used for? Myrrh is a resin that is highly aromatic. Aside from the luscious scent that it produces, myrrh possesses antiseptic qualities, and is, in fact, found in many commercial toothpastes. As an antiseptic, its tincture is used frequently used to treat canker sores and gum disease, as well as minor cuts. When inhaled, its volatile oil is good for relieving congestion.
Another nice Fall/Winter spice is clove. Cloves are high in antioxidants, and are antiseptic and antispasmodic in nature. Direct use of Clove oil is a safe and effective treatment for toothaches. Additionally, cloves are a proven preservative. A ham studded with cloves will last a few days longer (in the fridge) than one that does not contain the cloves. In South America, people routinely drink clove tea and liquor made from cloves, to fight digestive disorders. Since the main ingredient in cloves is eugenol, it stands to reason that this herb would be useful in combating intestinal problems, as eugenol has been known to kill bacteria and viruses for quite some time. In fact, cloves are known/proven to fight e. coli , commonly the cause of "travelers diarrhea". Besides an antispetic, the eugenol in cloves also makes the herb effective as a painkiller. Here in the USA, this generally just means that you will find clove oil as an ingredient in most over-the-counter tooth ache remedies. But in other countries, poultices of clove are often used on the skin for cuts, bites and those sort of problems. Studies have shown that clove oil can help kill several strains of staph, and even one strain of pseudomonas, organisms that can cause skin infections. Aside from utilizing the clove oil, you can also make a paste from ground up cloves and water to use as a poultice. To make clove tea (for intestinal issues), use one teaspoon of powdered cloves per cup of boiling water. Steep for ten to twenty minutes, strain and drink when cool enough.
And, of course, what cool weather herb discussion would be complete without cinnamon? Cinnamon is also an antioxidant, and has antimicrobial properties. In fact, it improves insulin sensitivity while lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Eating 1/2 of a teaspoon twice a day, before meals, can help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon prevents infections and fights indigestion, and has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it is mentioned by ancient Chinese herbalists as far back as 2700 B.C., and modern day Chinese herbalists still recommend it for fever, diarrhea, and menstrual problems. Cinnamon not only appears to help diabetics metabolize sugar, but it helps to soothe the stomach lining, suppress the cause of most urinary tract infections (which is e.coli), and the fungus responsible for vaginal yeast infections, cabdida albicans. Because of its tasty and versatile usage, cinnamon is probably the easiest treatment to incorporate into your life.
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