Frankincense & Myrrh Benefits

Frankincense & Myrrh Benefits

The History of Frankincense & Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh have a long, storied history, dating back thousands of years. Most famously known from the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus, where they were presented as gifts by the three wise men, these resins have been treasured for their unique properties for centuries.

Frankincense and myrrh are both derived from the gummy sap that oozes out of the Boswellia and Commiphora trees, respectively, when their bark is cut. The leaking resin is allowed to harden and scraped off the trunk in tear-shaped droplets; it may then be used in its dried form or steamed to yield essential oils. Both these trees are native to regions of Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Arabian Peninsula.

Frankincense & Myrrh Healing Benefits 

The healing benefits and medicinal use of frankincense and myrrh are well documented. Both have been used in traditional medicine in many cultures. They have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and were used historically for treating wounds, cuts, and infections. They're also known to promote skin health allowing it to look younger, smoother, and healthier.

In terms of their psychoactive effects, they're often used in aromatherapy due to their ability to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace and relaxation. Frankincense is believed to ease depression and support mental clarity while myrrh acts as a natural tranquilizer.

In modern cosmetics, both frankincense and myrrh are used extensively for their fragrant and preservative properties. Their ability to promote skin health has also made them popular in skincare.

Frankincense is often used in creams and lotions for its anti-aging properties as it can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and blemishes. On the other hand, myrrh is used in mouthwashes for its antiseptic property and in skincare products to treat dry skin, reduce the signs of aging, and soothe chapped or cracked skin.

The demand for these ancient resins continues in various sectors today due to their various healing properties and uses in cosmetics. Both frankincense and myrrh continue to be popular in modern times, underscoring their timeless, universal appeal.

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is often used in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for its wide range of health benefits. An additional detail regarding its healing properties involves its impact on the immune system.

RESEARCH STUDIES

Research indicates that frankincense can stimulate the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells, which are the body's primary defense against infections and diseases. A study published in "The Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that frankincense oil can suppress inflammation and stimulate the immune system, making it a useful tool for combating a variety of conditions from oral health problems to chronic inflammatory diseases.

Myrrh, meanwhile, has been used traditionally for treating wounds, relieving pain, and promoting overall health. A key health benefit of myrrh that is backed by research involves its potential anti-cancer properties.

A 2015 study published in "Oncology Reports" suggested that that myrrh can kill cancer cells, or at least slow their growth. They found it particularly effective on human gynecologic cancer cells. It needs to be noted, however, that, while early indications are promising, further research is needed to definitively establish the extent and nature of myrrh's potential anti-cancer properties.