Christmas evokes many images. It’s a time filled with Santa Claus, wrapping paper, gift giving, toys and yes even snow! Among this imagery there is one story which has left an indelible impression in the minds and hearts of so many, a Christmas story. This is the story of a starry night and the three Magi’s journey to bring gifts to the newborn King, Jesus. While few remember the names of the wise men, the items they brought are easy to recall. Today we’re talking about the benefits wrought by these gifts and maybe even why they were given…
While there are many interpretations to the meanings behind Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh it may also have been about keeping the baby child healthy. In fact, research over the last few decades has found that two-thirds of the gifts given have medicinal values.
Frankincense
The sap of the Boswellia carteri tree, more commonly known as Frankincense, is obtained through scarring the trunk of the plant. A milky white liquid pours out which releases the impurities in the wood, after which the farmers will scar it again. Following this, a sticky sap will spill forth from the man made cracks. Over time this sap will harden into a resin where it can be collected and processed. There are different grades of purity among these resins, and the purest, collected from the Boswellia frereana tree, is pure white in appearance and is a naturally perfumed chewing gum said to be popular in the Arab world.
While it's still utilized worldwide in religious ceremony, recent studies have claimed that Frankincense may bring relief to arthritis pain, and theories state that those biblical Magi may have known these medicinal properties. As it is a well-known anti-inflammatory, so this comes as no surprise. Of the more than 300 known active ingredients in frankincense extract, boswellic acids are the ones most well-studied. Searching further for evidence of its use as a healing agent, one needs not look far. Another series of studies concluded that Frankincense may hold a key to combatting cancer. Researchers are honing in on which of the 17 active agents in Frankincense Essential Oil is the culprit. Once they find it, it could mean big things for the future of cancer treatment; giving credence to the belief in its curative abilities that have been touted for thousands of years.
Myrrh
Commiphora myrrha is a tree that produces the resin, or sap-like substance, known as Myrrh that is common in Africa or the Middle East. Botanically related to Frankincense, the essential oil distilled from its gum is widely used around the world. Pharmacologically, it is used in mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpastes for its antiseptic qualities. Traditionally, though, it was used for the embalming of Mummies, on top of its aromatic and curative benefits.
Much like its relative, Frankincense, it has been studied for anti-cancer properties. But that’s just one thing it can claim among the list of benefits taken from numerous studies.
Gold
It’s a well-known fact that gold runs our technologically fueled world. From your refrigerator to the computer or even phone that you may be viewing this on, Gold has always been a precious metal. Gold has been the metal that has made people rich and without it we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the modern world as it is.
And while Plantlife carries Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil, Gold can’t be distilled! That’s why we created Anoint (our Essential Oil gold labeled blend). Fit for a king, we used only the purest essential oils representing the precious oils of the Christmas Story.
Give yourself the Gift of The Magi only at Plantlife.net. You can get them all in our 3 Pack sets.
Merry Christmas to one and all…
This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.