Lots of herbs are associated with Christmas. Of those, gold, frankincense, and myrrh are 3 of the most famous. At the birth of Jesus, the wise men honored him with gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh, all of extreme value at the time.
Today, as a fun spin to Christmas cheer, we are going to talk about the medicinal benefits of these three valuable gifts.
Medicinal uses of Gold
Gold has been used medicinally, in various forms, throughout the history of civilization. Over 2500 years ago the Chinese and Indian medical systems wrote its use as a healing agent. Culpepper, a famous herbalist of the 1600’s, used gold as a vitalizing therapy for problems such as melancholy, fainting, fevers and the like. Edgar Cayce, a spiritual healer in the early 1900’s, used gold as a vibrational medicine. Cayce used both gold and silver because of their affinity to the central nervous system. Gold compounds are used in modern allopathic medicine to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and some skin conditions like psoriasis.
Of the references found, I think Ayurveda offers the most complete and accessible information about how to use gold in healing. According to Ayurveda, precious metals fall into the category of gem therapy. Gem therapy is used to balance prana (the life force). Gems and metals from the earth heal the aura and harmonize larger cosmic influences as they become personal. When gold (or other gems and minerals) come in contact with human skin, they give off electromagnetic energy that effects the body on a cellular level. The energetic vibration counteracts unwanted cosmic negative energy and helps us attune to subtle energies of life.
Gold is energetically related to the sun and biologically to the heart. It has affinities to the heart, brain, nervous system, and lungs. Gold acts as a stimulant and restorative for heart function, and a vitalizing agent for the nervous system. It is often employed as an anti-inflammatory and for anti-aging because it improves mental powers, memory, and physical endurance. Gold is used in Ayurveda as a soothing stimulant that can balance the three doshas of vata, pitta and kapha. Please go here for a complete explanation of the 3 doshas.
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How to prepare gold for medicinal uses
- The easiest way to use gold is to wear it against your skin. The higher the quality the better.
- A gold decoction can be made by boiling a piece of the metal in water to ½ volume. This charges the water with gold’s healing properties. Suggested dose is 1 teaspoon 2x per day.
- In Ayurvedic medicine, herbs and remedies are prepared in cooking utensils like pots, pans and bowls made of specific gems and minerals. In this way, herbs are activated with the vibrational energy of the metal, carrying the herbal medicine to the organ or systems affected.
- Gold can be oxidized from nanoparticles in a process called Bhasmas. In essence, very small metal particles are reduced to ash through a special procedure that removes toxicity. The ash is then added to other herbs and substances as needed by the individual.
- Gems and metals can also be made into tinctures in much the same way a tincture is made with herbs. Visit here for a full explanation of tinctures and how they are made.
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra, B. thurifera, B. carteri and others)
There are many species of Boswellia in the Middle East and Northern Africa, all of which have been used as medicine, incense and for religious rituals. This sacred herb holds a place of honor in the ancient healing arts of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and those they traded with. Also called Olibanum, Frankincense “tears” or resin, were used as a remedy for everything from a toothache to leprosy. In Biblical times, both Frankincense and Myrrh were worth more than gold.
Today Frankincense is mostly used as an essential oil, incense and as perfume. The resin can, however, be used internally and is usually chewed or made into a remedy such as a tincture or extract.
Frankincense is a stimulating herb that possesses antiseptic, astringent, carminative, digestive, diuretic, sedative, uterine, and vulnerary properties. It has been used through antiquity to treat arthritis, as an antiseptic, for wound healing, to treat infections, and for issues of the urinary and respiratory systems. More, the herb, oil or extract is useful for the treatment of sores or infections of the gums, mouth, and throat. Likewise, externally, the essential oil is used to heal the skin, repairing capillaries and as an effective remedy for boils and acne.
A steam or smoke inhalation is used to relieve bronchitis and laryngitis. Inhaling the fumes of the herb deepens the breath, slows down nervous responses and expands consciousness, perfect for meditation, prayer and ritual. The Chinese use frankincense to treat menstrual difficulties including menstrual pain and postpartum depression.
Frankincense and Cancer
Boswellic acid, a chemical component of Frankincense, was found to have anti-proliferative effects on various tumors including melanoma, liver cancer, bladder cancer and glioblastomas (an aggressive type of cancer that usually begins in the brain). In one study the essential oil of Frankincense was found to distinguish cancerous bladder cells from normal cells. Further, in vitro, Frankincense was able to suppress the growth of the cancerous cells, while vitalizing normal cell activity.
Myrrh (Commuphora myrrha)
Myrrh is another desert tree from the Middle East and Northern Africa. It is found from Madagascar to Arabia and to Sri Lanka. Varieties of Myrrh can also be found in Mexico, Central America and South America. Several varieties are used. Commuphora myrrha is most commonly found in commerce. Myrrh is an aromatic gum or resin obtained from the yellow liquid that flows from broken or damaged bark, then hardens to a reddish-brown mass.
Myrrh was historically used, along with Frankincense as an incense, for ritual, cosmetics and for embalming. Today Myrrh has many uses. It is anti-microbial, astringent, anti-fungal, stimulant, anti-catarrhal, antiseptic, immune-boosting, tonic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary, and improves circulation. Down through the centuries it as been used as insect repellent, in healing salves for sores and wounds, for rejuvenating skin treatments, indigestion, bad breath and various respiratory disorders. Additionally, Myrrh is useful for gingivitis and receding gums, gum inflammation, Epstein bar virus, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV, inflamed lymph nodes, tiredness, and white blood cell deficiency. Myrrh is also used to heal gut mucosa, to lower cholesterol, to increase the flow of gastric juices and to treat anemia and tuberculosis. Wow, no wonder it is worth its weight in gold.
And so, it seems the wise men chose well. Things have changed since the birth of Christ, and some things have remained the same. The healing properties of these gifts are truly a gift from the divine, Then and Now.
Thank you for reading.
Happy Holidays
Annie
Further Reading
References
https://theherbalacademy.com/chromotherapy-and-gemstones/
https://ayurvedasofia.bg/en/blog/ayurvedic-treatment-with-special-metals/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk%3ANicholas_Culpeper
https://www.history.com/news/a-wise-mans-cure-frankincense-and-myrrh
https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/franki31.html
Rose, Jeanne; The Aromatherapy book, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley Ca, 1992
https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-myrrh-oil-and-resinoid.html
Frawley, David. Dr; Ayurvedic healing, 2nd Revised and Enlarged Edition. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI, 2000
Disclaimers
The statements and ideas presented here are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. They have not been evaluated by the FDA. All ideas presented are for the sole purpose of education. To help you take control of your own health. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. We suggest that you always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.
Herbs taken for health purposes should be treated with the same care as medicine. Herbal remedies are no substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are serious about good health, you’ll want to combine diet, exercise, herbals, a good relationship with your doctor and a generally healthy lifestyle. No one of these will do it alone.
This information is designed to be used as part of a complete health plan. No products are intended to replace your doctor’s care, or to supersede any of his/her advice or prescriptions.
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I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home
a bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A great read.
I will definitely be back.