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GOLD, FRANKINCENSE
AND MYRRH:
KINGS BEARING GIFTS
Article by herbalist Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
With the celebration of
Christmas, I wanted to write about the significance of the
gifts the wise men brought the baby Jesus. According to
story of Jesus related to me as a child in the new
testament the gospel of Matthew explains in Chapter 2,
Verse 11, “and when they were to come into the house, they
saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down,
and worshipped him: and when they opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and
myrrh”.
Today’s article will give
some other considerations to the meaning of these gifts.
All three of the gifts are used medicinally. The
importance of these gifts offered benefits far beyond what
we have expected.
Let’s begin with the gift of
gold. I researched material from Ayurvedic sources.
Ayurveda is the science of life according to the ancient
healing system of
India. All the metals have
healing properties and have been used for over 3000 years
in treating health conditions. Gold is an effective nerve
tonic. It improves memory and intelligence, strengthens the
heart muscle and increases stamina. It is good for
hysteria, epilepsy, heart attacks, weak lung and spleen. It
is said to improve memory and stimulates awareness. One way
of taking gold internally that is safe according to
Ayurveda is to make gold-medicated water. To prepare such
water, place a gold coin or jewelry (I assume 24 karat)
into 1 pint of water. Boil until the water is reduced to
half or 1 cup. One tsp. of this water may be taken 3 times
per day.
The next two gifts were
frankincense and myrrh. It is assumed that these were used
only as perfumes. Being related in the plant kingdom they
are members of the gum family otherwise known as gum guggul.
Both being used as fragrance essentials they offer similar
properties. Those properties being able to calm the mind,
strengthens the nerves, relieve restlessness, anxiety and
fear and to counter hypersensitivity. They are said to be
energizing yet grounding and stabilizing.
Lets look at some of the other
aspects of both of these herbs and their significance
medicinally.
Myrrh, according to
authoritative sources, is stated to possess antimicrobial,
astringent, expectorant, carminative (gas relieving),
antiseptic and vulnerary (wound healing) properties.
Traditionally it has been used for ulcers,
pharyngitis, phlegm, common
cold, wounds and abrasions and specifically for mouth
ulcers, and gingivitis.
It is considered to be
anti-inflammatory and has been reported to have
hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects. This was seen
when it was combined with the herb aloe vera. In relation
to side effects there have been none reported. It has been
reported to be non-irritating, non sensitizing and non
phototoxic to skin. It is contraindicated for those with
diabetes, during pregnancy and lactation.
My personal use for myrrh
has been in mouthwashes for gum disease and as an anti-staph
and strep remedy for sore throats. High doses are not
recommended and because of its somewhat bitter taste I
don’t think that is a problem.
Let’s look at frankincense
also known in the herbal world as
boswellia.
Boswellia is used in many
oriental perfumes and incense.
The main medical application
is for the treatment of arthritis (osteo
and rheumatoid) and other inflammatory diseases such as
ulcerated colitis and psoriasis. It has been compared to
numerous anti-inflammatory drugs and has proven to be
effective with less toxicity. Indian authorities have
approved it for use with the conditions mentioned above.
Again it is not recommended during pregnancy. It is
available in capsule form and in topical creams.
The last herb I want to
mention is the cousin to frankincense and myrrh, which is
called gum guggul. It is highly regarded for a variety of
health problems ranging from arthritis to lipid disorders.
Researchers began studying
the clinical effectiveness of gum guggul based on a classic
Ayurvedic medical text which described this herb for the
treatment of obesity and disorders of fat. Clinical studies
have proven that it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides as
well as promoting weight loss. It has been compared to
numerous lipid lowering drugs such as,
Lopid, Mevacor and
Clofibrate. Research shows that
it is more effective and does not have side effects. It
further states that it has
cardioprotective properties and may reduce the risk
of atherosclerosis. There are no known side effects based
on these clinical studies. It is considered non-toxic and
is acceptable during pregnancy.
Before using any
preparations mentioned above it is important to seek
authoritative information concerning proper applications or
consult with your health care professional.
As you can, see herbs have
been used for thousands of years. There are many references
in the bible and other ancient materials that may give us
clues to compounds found in plants that can have healing
properties for many of our ailments.
I want to wish to thank the
readers over the last year. I have appreciated your
comments. I wish you all happy holidays and look forward to
writing more articles for you in the New Year. Be well,
healthy and happy!
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