Those are the symbolic reasons as to why three men would offer such strange gifts. 2) They were symbolic. Charles Knox / Getty Images An essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy, frankincense oil is typically sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii or Boswellia sacra tree. Hebrews and Christians incorporated them into their ceremonies in the third century B.C. Whip up a restorative natural face cream. They have been burned and laid on charcoal to smoke. Frankincense, the Royal Spice. Make Simple and Fun Clay Christmas Ornaments, Whipped DIY Vapor Rub Recipe for Chest Congestion, Wholesome & Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce, 6 Ways To Help Save Plants That Have Been Frozen, Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe, Turkey Wild Rice Soup With Thanksgiving Leftovers, Frankincense is used as an aid in digestion. To use for inflamed skin or pain: Combine four drops each of frankincense, myrrh, and peppermint essential oils with 30ml of carrier oil. It can be, Both frankincense and myrrh have been used for centuries as incense. Gold for a King; Frankincense for God; Mryyh for a man who will die. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Popular Science may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. This wholesome cranberry sauce recipe is a delicious, naturally-sweetened way to bring this staple Thanksgiving dish to your family table. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. Myrrh was for the wrapping/embalming process. Make sure the smoke touches all of the walls. I love the scent of frankincense and the earthy, deep tone it adds to oil blends. Make Simple and Fun Clay Christmas OrnamentsThese clay ornaments are a simple and fun way to create personalized DIY Christmas ornaments that your family will enjoy for years to come! Frankincense oil has been shown to help fight cells of specific types of cancer. Both frankincense and myrrh are excellent for spiritual cleansing. Frankincense has a woody, spicy smell and can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, steeped into a tea or taken as a supplement. It is antibacterial, antifungal and helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Strain out any remaining solids and store in a colored glass bottle (like this) away from light and heat. Just a small note. More recent time has shown cultivation of frankincense and myrrh trees to be on the increase. Your well-being is our priority. Myrrh is an all natural cure that has been used for thousands of years to treat many medical conditions. In fact, Frankincense and Myrrh were both given to Jesus at the time of his birth. Frankincense and myrrh were used as healing agents since biblical times. (source). Frankincense was what they used as a burnt offering in the temple. This mixture can also be used directly on wounds. If you do any work at all with magical aromatherapy, chances are good you’ve encountered the scent of myrrh at some point. Copyright © 2020 Popular Science. We can’t drink alcohol. They were a gift give to a child destine to die for man kind. Frankincense and myrrh anointing oil was also used for burial and purification rites. 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. Frankincense is famous for being one of the three gifts presented by the Magi to baby Jesus (the other two being gold and myrrh). Many sources repeat over and over about how frankincense and myrrh were given to the Christ child as a gift along with gold. If you rely solely upon this advice you do so at your own risk. Thank you, I just bought some Frankincense essential oil! Myrrh oil has many therapeutic properties, therefore add a few drops to a cold compress and apply it directly to any infected or inflamed area for relief. She taught Matt and Betsy how to make soap so they decided to bring her on as a staff writer! Welcome to the movement! Wholesome & Naturally Sweetened Cranberry SauceThis wholesome cranberry sauce recipe is a delicious, naturally-sweetened way to bring this staple Thanksgiving dish to your family table. Frankincense is the gum or resin of the Boswellia tree, used for making perfume and incense. You can even purchase her handmade products on Amazon! Another great way to enjoy a combo of both for topical use and inhalation is to add 10 to 12 drops to your bubble bath and then add underneath the running water. Perhaps the most famous reference to these substances is in the Bible, where they were offered as gifts to the infant Jesus. Myrrh is a wonderful smelling incense to burn and will purify the air you breathe. This makes it a great aid in mouth ulcers, tooth problems, and other, 4 cups ethyl alcohol (i.e. The added peppermint will help give a cooling sensation to ease any other discomfort you may be feeling. and fourth century A.D., respectively. In fact, it's been used in religious rites and traded in the Arabian Peninsula, Mesopotamia, and the eastern Mediterranean for over 6,000 years. Myrrh (along with frankincense) was considered an essential commodity by the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans.And both are still commonly used … You can also purchase an extract to use in oral preparations or make your own. A few years ago there was a very nice specimen of frankincense at the Como Park Conservatory in St Paul, Minnesota. How to make your living room feel more like a movie theater, These ghostly circles in the sky came out of nowhere, Two very different colleges share how they kept COVID-19 off campus, COVID-19 may have been circulating in the U.S. as early as last year. (, Myrrh has been used for female problems including menstruation issues, menopause, and uterine tumors. Frankincense & Myrrh Neuropathy temporarily relieves shooting pain, tingling, prickling, and numbness. As you do this, speak your intention out loud. Visit … DISCLAIMER: Information on DIY Natural™ is not reviewed or endorsed by the FDA and is NOT intended to be substituted for the advice of your health care professional. Myrrh is a fragrant spice derived from the sap of a tree native to the Near East. Let’s examine several ways to use them including a tincture recipe and soap recipe. Myrrh is referred to seventeen times in the Bible and is first mentioned in Genesis 37:25, where it was being carried by camels in a caravan. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Debra recently started an organic herb farm in the mountains of Western North Carolina. By using this site, you are agreeing to the site’s terms of use. Frankincense and myrrh also had medicinal uses. Add a few flakes of gold and stir. Here’s a simple way to make an extract or a tincture of frankincense, myrrh, or both: Place tears or beads in the jar and cover with alcohol. While both the temple and Jesus’ makeshift cradle were filled with aromatic substances, they were also fighting disease and protecting the inhabitants. Much of the solids will dissolve. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission. More Posts You'll Love89 Frankincense and myrrh were given to the Messiah for a two fold reason. Both have also been used in mummification and preparing bodies for burial. In fact, I like to use Frankincense and Lavender together for a dynamic skin duo. Myrrh is a natural gum or resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. There are several trees (or more shrubs, as they are) on display at botanical gardens around the world. 1) They were costly as indicated. Label bottles well. For example, consider making homemade frankincense and myrrh lotion to help treat and tone the skin. Make frankincense and myrrh … Home Uses for Frankincense Essential Oil. Read full Disclaimer & Disclosure statements here. 671 PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for us to support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this website. All rights reserved. Frankincense and myrrh tears or beads can be found online or at your local health food stores. They were all appropriate for this child who would save mankind. The results showed that human breast and skin cancer cell lines showed increased sensitivity to the combination of myrrh and frankincense essential oils. The antibacterial properties of both compounds may help to purify the air and aid in preservation in both cases. Both of these tree-sap resins have been used since before Jesus' time for spiritual purposes, and most commonly in incense form. 12; When buying pure frankincense essential oil, check the label for its Latin name, Boswellia Carterii or Boswellia sacra. It was one of the ingredients God instructed the Israelites to use in making the pure and sacred incense blend for the most holy place in the tabernacle. Want to include frankincense and myrrh in some of your gifts this year? While wild plants are diminishing, cultivated plants are increasing. vodka), preferably 90%. Both have also been used in mummification and preparing bodies for burial. We do burn it sometimes. Gently rub the mixture onto your affected area. In fact, these same three items were apparently among the gifts, recorded in ancient inscri… A Bonnier Corporation Company. Learn about the many health benefits of myrrh. Make this DIY vapor rub and you’ll never buy it again! Also called olibanum, frankincense oil has a sweet, woody scent and is sometimes used to ease stress. Alison Miksch / Taxi / Getty Images. If the flakes float or sink, stir for a bit longer until it suspends. Both frankincense and myrrh have been used for centuries as incense. If you’re giving as a gift or saving it for a while, wrap bars in clear plastic wrap or put in a sealed zip-top bag. I also use it in several beauty recipes for its cosmetic and health benefits. Place 5-10 drops in 8 ounces of water and take once a day. Frankincense and Myrrh each have ritual and medicinal uses dating back around 5,000 years ago. What is myrrh used for? The resin of both plants has been used medicinally and for spiritual practices for over 5,000 years, and with good reason. Everything from the bark of the tree to the sap inside is fragrant, so both frankincense and myrrh are used as incense and perfume. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was common across ancient cultures, for general pleasure and as an analgesic. These valuable items were standard gifts to honor a king or deity in the ancient world: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. Myrrh has been used for female problems including menstruation issues, menopause, and uterine tumors. Myrrh was less expensive than frankincense, but was still highly valued. 15751 Here’s a recipe for my favorite Christmas Soap. Several thousand years ago, people knew how to use frankincense … If you were raised in the Christian faith, it may be familiar to you since childhood. Use as a Cold Compress. Priests usually burned it during the morning and evening. Matt and Betsy are passionate about living naturally and building a like-minded community focused on the sustainable lifestyle. The 8 most exciting sports and outdoor products of 2020, Cricket-based snacks are surprisingly delicious, With no pedals, Specialized’s ultralight kid’s bike makes learning to ride easy, Mix your own delicious herbal tea using leftover spices, How the autonomous vehicle engineers at Ford are helping to make it safe to drive, This portable emergency kit will keep you prepared when your car breaks down. It decreases inflammation in the mouth and can kill bacteria. Place enough soap to fill the mold in a heatproof container and microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Frankincense (along with myrrh) is perhaps best known in connection with spirituality. Both Frankincense and Myrrh have anti-aging beauty benefits, so a drop can also be added to your facial moisturizer or oil cleanser. Myrrh is used for problems in the stomach and intestines, congestion, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Many others can be found at similar locations. Make this DIY vapor rub and you’ll never buy it again! … Here are Some Ideas for Using it. Whipped DIY Vapor Rub Recipe for Chest CongestionMaking natural homemade vapor rub to replace the famous VapoRub® is simple and fun. Connect with Debra Maslowski on G+. Making natural homemade vapor rub to replace the famous VapoRub® is simple and fun. DIY Natural is about rediscovering the traditional value of doing things yourself, doing them naturally, and enjoying the benefits. They were to be used as the anointing and embalming of the dead as stated in this article. An offering to God. Place either frankincense, myrrh, or a mixture of both resins onto a burning coal in a brazier, and wave it around your home with a feather or fan. Can you extract the essence using anything besides alcohol? Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Gold was a gift to a king. Once completely cooled, pop out of the mold –  it’s ready to use right away! And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11, KJV), Both frankincense and myrrh have been used in herbal science for ages. The mysteries of these botanicals go way beyond the Magi. These clay ornaments are a simple and fun way to create personalized DIY Christmas ornaments that your family will enjoy for years to come! Your link to frankincense used for arthritis, is gone. Pour into mold and allow it to cool. Today, Frankincense essential oil is still used for meditation and to promote healthy skin. Debra is a master gardener, a certified herbalist, a natural living instructor and more. Shop from home using our call center 1-877-917-9674 use code COVID19 for free shipping or order via Amazon . Check for scent and add more if you like. Frankincense and myrrh have long been thought to have spiritual properties. (Many soap molds make 4-ounce bars.) Frankincense is used for pain and swelling in people with various diseases. Frankincense was actually found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen (King Tut), the ancient Egyptian pharaoh whose intact tomb included other treasures. What are frankincense and myrrh? (read more), Copyright © 2009 - 2020 DIY Natural™Privacy Policy | Disclaimer and Disclosure. In both cases, trees are slashed and allowed to “bleed.” The sap that comes from the trees hardens and forms beads or “tears.” While frankincense is used for incense and myrrh is mainly used in oral preparations, they both have many more uses. DIY Natural™ is a trademark of The Jabs Group, LLC. (Find organic frankincense essential oil here and myrrh essential oil here.). 3. Researchers in China investigated the anticancer effects of frankincense and myrrh oils on five tumor cells lines in a lab study. Let sit for a few weeks on a sunny windowsill, shaking daily. It’s been asked why those two items were chosen when other spices and metals were more valuable at the time. The antibacterial properties of both compounds may help to purify the air and aid in preservation in both cases. Like frankincense, myrrh also aids in digestion, can help fade scars, may strengthen the immune system, has been traditionally used to regulate menses and can be applied topically to disinfect wounds. - The word myrrh will probably not be a stranger to your ears. You will receive both educational newsletter emails, and promotional emails, at no cost to you. All rights reserved. In test-tube studies, combined myrrh and frankincense oils improved their effectiveness against infectious bacteria and other microbes. Frankincense and myrrh are perhaps best known for their biblical connotations. It was no coincidence these gifts were given to Him. Myrrh is used in a variety of ritual contexts. (, Myrrh has long been used for oral treatments. And useful. The Significance of Frankincense and Myrrh Anointing Oil Back in temple days, incense containing myrrh and frankincense was placed on the altars of temples. Merry Christmas and thanks for this timely article. Once melted, add 5 drops of each frankincense and myrrh and stir. It also helps to ease respiratory trouble and may act as a decongestant. Frankincense is one of the oldest aromatics known to history. They have been burned and laid on charcoal to smoke. It’s been discovered that both were worth their weight more than gold at the time and were not in good supply. The natural region they grow in is Africa and surrounding areas, but research has shown that they can be grown in greenhouses around the globe. What now? Both frankincense and myrrh are resins – hardened sap from trees. The oil can be added to salves and lotions, bath crystals and soaps. Their rich history includes practical applications in ancient Egypt, burning for ancient rituals in the temples of Jerusalem, and as a valuable gift from the three wise men to the baby Jesus according to the Bible. Do you have any other uses for frankincense or myrrh? But this tree sap has been prized across the world for over 6,000 years. At the time, both were considered more valuable than gold. The Arecibo Observatory collapsed this week. It’s worth noting that frankincense and myrrh together – both used in temple rituals – comprise a synergistic antimicrobial combination. Egyptian, Greek, and Arabian peoples enjoyed the aroma of frankincense and used it in cosmetics as well as to scent and fumigate their homes. Thanks for any update. When burned, it gives off a sweet, citrusy scent and when combined with myrrh, produces a piney, bitter odour 11; Cleopatra is said to have used frankincense oil, in conjunction with geranium oil, as a skin treatment. ), They are also both easy to use as an essential oil. The time of Christ is said to be around the year 5 BC, and both of these have been used for centuries even beyond that. Since the early days of Christianity, Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying interpretations of the meaning and significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh that the magi presented to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew (2:11). According to the Greek writer, Herodotus, the Egyptians used both frankincense and myrrh in the preparation of animal sacrifices and human mummies. (Find wild harvested frankincense resin beads here and wild harvested myrrh resin here. Both frankincense and myrrh are derived from the gummy sap that oozes out of the Boswellia and Commiphora trees, respectively, when their bark is cut. Much like frankincense, myrrh is not an herb but a resin, and appears with some relevance in a number of religious and spiritual contexts.