Each year at Christmas, stories are recited and Bible passages read which tell the story of the birth of Christ. We hear of the Magi and their gifts of frankincense and myrrh, yet rarely stop to wonder about these precious gifts that were given to Jesus. Why frankincense? What is myrrh? In fact, these resins and their essential oils were priceless medicines, worth their weight in gold to the Egyptians and Greeks, and were used to treat everything from skin disorders to viral infections, from cancer to depression and more.
What are Frankincense and Myrrh?
Myrrh and frankincense are closely related species of balsams, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) and Boswellia carteri (frankincense), which originate in Africa and the Middle East. The resin is harvested from the small, knotted trees and essential oil can be distilled from the resin.
Frankincense and Myrrh in Ancient History
- Myrrh was used in embalming the Egyptian pharaohs and is listed in the Ebers Papyrus (16th century BC), one of the world’s oldest medical texts.
- The Greeks considered myrrh a sacred substance and those who could afford the resin used it as incense and to treat virtually every illness. The Greeks began using myrrh to replace living sacrifices in the 3rd century AD.
- Frankincense was used in ancient times and throughout the Middle Ages by the Christian church as holy anointing oil.
- Both frankincense and myrrh have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, African healing, and Indian Ayurvedic practices.
- Myrrh is the most often repeated aromatic essential oil in the Bible.
In his book Healing Oils of the Bible, Dr. David Stewart suggests that essential oils and their uses were well known at the time the Bible was recorded. Although healing oils such as myrrh and frankincense were very valuable and not commonly used except by the rich, most people would have known exactly what they were and how they could be used – which is why the Bible could refers to these and other herbs and oils without explaining their use.
Frankincense and Myrrh in Modern Healing
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.
Frankincense has been clinically researched to combat cancer and for use as an antidepressant. It is commonly used in European hospitals. Frankincense is being researched for its ability to simulate human growth hormone production and to assist in hormone balance.
Myrrh is used to treat skin conditions, respiratory diseases, hormone imbalance, and has been clinically shown to kill bilharzia and other parasites. It is also a common base note in perfumery.
See also:
- Essential Oils for the Holiday Season
- Healing Oils of the Bible: Hyssop - the Passover story
Safety Note: Please exercise caution in inhaling or applying essential oils. Many grades of oils exist, some of which are not safe for consumption or external use, and at present there is no standard for how oils are labelled. See The Real Quality of Essential Oils for advice on how to recognize pure, high-quality oils or contact the author with any questions.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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