Additionally, in Biblical times, myrrh incense often in combination with frankincense was burned in places of worship to help purify the air and prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including those caused by bacteria. WEVE BEEN PIONEERS OF THE VEGAN MOVEMENT FOR OVER 40 YEARS. "Myrrh." Gentle World has long been a respected leader in raising awareness around the important topic of veganism. Always here to be a salve for stress, Frankincense can help you breathe deep, calm the mind, and find your way to sweet and juicy sleep.

As far back as 1500 BC, it has been used as a household cleaner and to this very day, it can still fight the good fight with its antibacterial properties. As Frankincense is super soothing it's also good for sensitive skin. (2008, May 20). The combination of myrrh and frankincense is especially popular not only because of their complementary scents but also because of their synergy, or interaction that produces even greater benefits. Always speak to your medical professional first. Avoid diffusing it close to babies and young children, as its uncertain how much theyll inhale and how much is safe. If youre feeling stressed out, try this: burn some myrrh nearby to help relax and calm your nerves. Both of these tree-sap resins have been used since before Jesus' time for spiritual purposes, and most commonly in incense form. Further research is needed to confirm these benefits. A less severe form of depression, dysthymic disorder, affects approximately 3.3 million American adults. Ancient Egyptians burned frankincense as an offering to their god, Ra. A test-tube study found that stitches especially silk ones can degrade when exposed to myrrh, though they held up in the doses typically found in mouthwash (16). Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. You can also put it in a pouch and place it under your pillow, to bring about restful and peaceful sleep. For those who are drawn to its fabled history, its sweeter scents, and it's beautiful properties, light up a stick and let the flow of Frankincense hold you.

Frankincense is full of anti-inflammatory properties meaning that it can help to alleviate all kinds of aches and pains. We have a few examples of daily delights that can connect you to the healing powers of this ancient extract. Wigington, Patti. To transports of the spirit and the sense!. It should not be used during pregnancy, because of its emenagogue and astringent qualities. Use myrrh in incense blends such asFull Moon Incenseor a fiery summer incense blend to burn at Litha or Beltane. Yet, more studies are needed to confirm these benefits. They shine brightly in this new ebook.". She writes travel and budgeting tips and destination guides for USA Today, Travelocity and ForRent, among others. It may also inhibit cancer growth, Essential oils, and other oils, may help reduce the appearance of scars by regenerating the skin cells of damaged skin. Found in many aromatherapy practices, myrrh oil is used to aid with healing of coughs and colds, insomnia, pain relief, and stimulation of the immune system. Some oils also have. Look for Frankincense in your ointment blends and lend some love to your face.

This is considered a 24% dilution. When purchasing as incense, be sure to buy quality incense made from the actual resins of frankincense or myrrh; otherwise, the spiritual properties of the incense may be diminished or not noticed at all, if made from artificial ingredients. If you have a flare-up in your skin, you can dilute your Frankincense with some carrier oil and apply it topically to the problem zone. Find out which essential oils you can use for anxiety symptoms. Learn Religions. Preliminary animal research suggests that myrrh can directly kill bacteria, as well as stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells, which also kill bacteria (7). However, multiple oils were used simultaneously in these studies, so the individual effects of myrrh for wound healing are unclear. 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, anti-microbial and anti-viral, astringent, expectorant, stimulant, carminative, stomachic, anti catarrhal, diaphoretic, vulnerary, anti-spasmodic, immune booster, improves circulation, body tonic. They are still widely used today by many religions and cultures. It can be used for meditation and cultivating inner peace, as a skin care remedy, and to help strengthen the lungs. Thanks to the powerful antibacterial properties found in Frankincense, it can help to treat all kinds of oral infections. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/myrrh-magic-and-folklore-2562032.

Ac., CYT. You can also blend myrrh into an incense to use forpurifying sacred spaces, or to consecrate magical tools and other items. It may also support oral health, help heal skin sores, and ease pain and swelling. We operate two vegan education centers in Hawaii and New Zealand, which are maintained by Gentle World's all-volunteer staff. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. Studies suggest that it may help kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other microbes. The Benefits of Orange Essential Oil and How to Use, The Best Essential Oils for Poison Ivy and How to Use Them, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Can You Reduce the Appearance of Scars with Oils? Of course, to combat any skin issues you may want to look for approved facial products that include a blend of Frankincense in with the ingredients. No matter your faith or form of seasonal celebration, youve most likely noticed frankincense and myrrh resins, incense and essential oils start to pop up this time of year. Much likefrankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. The following applications are under study: Myrrh oil can be inhaled, applied topically, or used for oral care. Myrrh is thought to unite heaven and Earth by awakening your awareness of the higher self. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company.

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Ancient Babylonians and Assyrians also used incense during religious rituals. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Amber and myrrh, benzoin and musk condense Additionally, in one test-tube study, myrrh oil alone inhibited 4361% of the growth of five fungi that cause skin conditions, including ringworm and athletes foot (17).

Somalia and Ethiopia, across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, for centuries we have been tapping into these trees to find the precious essential oil of Frankincense. Here are 11 science-based health benefits and uses of myrrh essential oil. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Because the scent is fairly strong, its often used in conjunction with other herbs or resins, like frankincense orsandalwood. It isnt known whether inhaling myrrh oil or applying it topically which are two safe uses of myrrh oil for people helps protect your body against oxidative damage. ), regulates production of estrogen, relieves cough and phlegm, bronchitis, and congestion, relieves body pain, headache, toothache and rise in body temperature (fever) associated with sickness, tones up all the systems operating in the body: respiratory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems, strengthens absorption of nutrients in the body. Learn about the most effective oils and how to, Boswellia is an herbal extract that may reduce inflammation in people with conditions such as arthritis and asthma. While it may be easy to understand gold being a precious gift, in truth, frankincense and myrrhs value far outweighs that of gold and extends far beyond biblical lore. "The discovery of how incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, works on specific targets in the brain should also help us understand diseases of the nervous system. These trees tend to push through in dry and rocky climates - from India to Africa and the Middle East, these environments are perfect for Frankincense trees to grow. For children, use 1 drop of essential oil per 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of carrier oil, which is a 1% dilution. It also helps you stay present and not worry about the future. Wigington, Patti. Highly treasured and rich with ancient roots, Frankincense was considered a gift of kings. Myrrh is native to the Middle East, Northern Africa and India. Whether youre studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers. "Myrrh." In the book of Matthew 2:11, it reads, After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. More research may be needed but from the studies conducted it does look like Frankincense may be able to inhibit the growth of tumors and may be able tostop cancer cells from spreading. Test-tube studies suggest that mouthwash containing myrrh oil may also help gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums around your teeth due to a buildup of plaque (12). Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is an absolutely excellent resource. For centuries Frankincense has been considered to be a remedy for helping to open the lungs and reduce symptoms of asthma. Additionally, in an animal study, myrrh oil helped protect the liver against lead-induced oxidative damage in direct proportion to the amount of myrrh given prior to lead exposure (26). Frankincense and myrrh are from the same plant family (Burseraceae) and grow as small shrub-like trees in dry climates; such as India, Oman, Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, no one should swallow myrrh oil, as it can be toxic (15). Since ancient times, Frankincense has been used to help heal the body, mind, and soul. Overall Frankincense is considered safe with few side effects reported. Myrrh. Myrrh also appears in the book of Exodus as one of the ingredients in the oil of holy ointment, and in the book of Esther as an item which was used in the purification of women. ", Gentle World 2022. Some people add myrrh oil to products used for massage. If someone who is ill can tolerate the scent, try placing some myrrh in a tin or bowl of water over a heat source, to create a scented atmosphere in the sickroom. "Burning incense is psychoactive: New class of antidepressants might be right under our noses." The scent is said to boost the spirits and the soul, and is often used to alleviate the symptoms of nervous system disorders. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm (accessed July 18, 2022). About 11% of this improvement was due to synergistic interactions of the oils (46). Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. This also helps prevent the myrrh oil from evaporating too quickly (45). Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults, and frequently co-occur with depressive disorders. You can also buy products, such as mouthwash and ointments, that contain the oil. For those who struggle with their gut, this golden sap in supplement form could be a soothing solution. Jewish and Catholic rites throughout the ages have also involved the use of frankincense. A test-tube study on 247 different essential oil combinations found that myrrh oil mixed with sandalwood oil was especially effective at killing microbes that infect skin wounds (20). Why was it so important in the early books of the bible? See disclaimer. From soothing stress to boosting the respiratory system, we take a look at all the benefits of Frankincense incense. In Kundalini, it is used to strengthen the bond between the crown (heaven) and base (Earth) chakras. Wigington, Patti. In the Western world, myrrh sometimes is included as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, thanks to its analgesic properties. This article reviews the uses, benefits, and downsides of babassu oil. If you are someone who struggles with clearing your mental plate before bed, simply spritz a little Frankincense onto your pillow or burn a little incense before snuggling down. You can add 34 drops of myrrh oil to a diffuser to distribute the oil as a fine mist into the surrounding air. Frankincense can also help ease the aches and pains that come with osteoarthritis. Frankincense extract is also believed to suppress the growth of tumors. Keep in mind that you should never swallow myrrh oral-care products, as high doses of myrrh can be toxic (15). Possibly because it was an item that was sacred to the Hebrew people, and is described in the Tanakh and Talmud. This is most likely linked to the boswellic acids contained within the Frankincense preventing the formation of DNA in cancer cells. Get the latest science news with ScienceDaily's free email newsletters, updated daily and weekly.

If you feel like your space (internally and externally) is a little cluttered, the soft and smoky scent can cut through the noise and clear the path. It is commonly used in religious ceremonies and in our modern world, we are starting to see the health benefits with many people taking it as a supplement. These plants are healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level and more than simply symbols of the season.

They also used it for embalming so it could accompany a soul to the afterlife, and because it was thought to have antibacterial properties. If you dont have a diffuser, you can simply place a few drops of the oil on a tissue or cloth and inhale periodically or add a few drops to hot water and inhale the steam.

Antiseptic properties and anti-inflammatory features mean that Frankincense can be a dab hand at helping soothe acne. It should be avoided during pregnancy due to its stimulating nature. Frankincense and myrrh are healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level, and are more than simply symbols of the season. Sign up for our emails and get 10% off your first purchase!

What Are Essential Oils, and Do They Work? Specifically, incensole acetate activated a protein called TRPV3, which is present in mammalian brains and also known to play a role in the perception of warmth of the skin.

Some natural mouthwashes and toothpaste contain myrrh oil, which is approved as a flavoring by the FDA (13, 14). 3 Essential Oils that Heal. Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree Commiphora myrrha, also known as C. molmol that is native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia (1, 2).

In 2007, we visited India and witnessed the malnutrition that children faced who were living in impoverished communities. Perhaps the best known of these is in the Christian bible, where myrrh is described as one of the three gifts given by the Magi to the newborn baby Jesus. A test-tube study found that myrrh oil was more effective than vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, at fighting free radicals (24, 25). Research has shown, Essential oils can help with symptoms of a poison ivy rash, including pain, itchiness, and swelling. Frankincense resin is commonly used to make incense, which is then burned for spiritual purposes. Avoid applying the oil to sensitive areas, including your eyes and inner ears. When buying in oil form, check the bottle carefully to be sure the contents contain pure essential oils. Essential oils can treat cold symptoms and even shorten your colds duration. Frankincense is so much more than a scent. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts. To determine incense's psychoactive effects, the researchers administered incensole acetate to mice. Associated with purification and cleansing, you can use myrrh in a number of different ritual and magical contexts. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Frankincense and myrrh are available as incense, resin or essential oils. The scent is thought to induce meditative states, reduce tension and stress, and also to lift the spirit.

Whats more, when people with Behcets disease an inflammatory disorder used a myrrh mouthwash to treat painful mouth sores four times daily for a week, 50% of them had complete pain relief and 19% had complete healing of their mouth sores (15). Freshen your breath, kick out gingivitis, and say yes to good oral health with Frankincense. Some human research suggests that this myrrh drug also may be effective against the parasite Fasciola gigantica, which can cause liver and bile duct diseases. Keep in mind that like many other essential oils, myrrh oil should not be used internally without the supervision of a healthcare professional. There are many health issues that can be caused by inflammation, so turning to Frankincense to soothe can certainly help. ALMOST THERE! Want more Tiny Rituals? No known adverse side effects are known. Scientists now know this is because the oils kill bacteria and other microbes (5). As soon as you smell the warm, rich, sweet-woody scent of frankincense, it is easy to understand how special this plant truly is. The specific species that bring forth this sacred sap are Boswellia carterii, Boswellia frereana, Boswellia serrata, and Boswellia sacra. Additionally, an animal study found that the same myrrh drug effectively treated giardiasis (32). The world would be a better place. In fact,the possibilities are nearly endless. Religious leaders have contended for millennia that burning incense is good for the soul. Ingesting myrrh oil is not advised, and long-term safety must be assessed (37). Otherstudieshave shown that the boswellic acids found in Frankincense helped to reduce cartilage loss and inflammation in mice too. Aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Burning incense is psychoactive: New class of antidepressants might be right under our noses. Patti Wigington is a pagan author, educator, and licensed clergy. Frankincense can be used in all kinds of meditation and mindfulness practices.