Rebecca MacFarlane
Health, wealth and happiness is the mantra of the day. Our physical health is our most important asset, and we spend a great deal of time and money trying our best to maintain it. And lately, going au naturel is the craze- from natural shampoos and conditioners to organic foods, and now- essential oils for uplifting physical as well as emotional and mental health.
Created by painstakingly extracting drops of oil from trees, plants, herbs and flowers- essential oils are by no means new. They have been used for centuries in traditional Medicine as well as cosmetics, but their use has skyrocketed in recent times. Frankincense & Myrrh are possibly the most famous and most sought after of all of the Essential Oils, and with very good reason.
Frankincense
Possibly one of the most luxurious of all the Essential Oils, Frankincense is created from the resin of the Boswellia Sacra Tree- grown primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Many cultures over the centuries have considered Frankincense to be sacred. It was so sought after in the Ancient World that there was an entire Trade Route dedicated to it, silken bags filled with the Resin were carried on Camel Back from the Middle East, and it was one of the most expensive commodities available. Thus it was associated with Royalty and luxury. Things haven’t changed that much, and Frankincense is still one of the most expensive of all Essential Oils, coming in at an average of R150 for a 5ml bottle.
I won’t talk about the time I spilled a bottle of pure organic Frankincense Oil on myself and ended up smelling like a walking Catholic Church, or how it made me strangely high. I smiled a lot that day. But I will tell you about all the amazing benefits of Frankincense.
Frankincense has been proven to boost the Immune System, reduce inflammation, fight infections, help regulate menstruation, prevent insomnia and relieve stress and anxiety. Frankincense is also wonderful for the skin, and can improve complexion, prevent wrinkles and clear up those pesky under eye bags.
Ancient Roman Emperor Nero is even said to have rubbed the oil beneath his eyes after a big night to hide his hangover bags! I may give that a go in future.
New research has even suggested the Frankincense Oil could have cancer fighting properties, specifically Ovarian and Breast Cancer. The University of Leicester in the UK conducted a study that showed Frankincense’s ability to target and reduce cancer cells in Ovarian Cancer, a feat that makes it possibly one of the biggest health breakthroughs of recent times. Research is still ongoing, but it would seem that there is far more to love about Frankincense than just its rich smell.
Frankincense can be used in a burner or diffuser, a few drops added to a bath or in a lotion.
Myrrh
Like Frankincense, Myrrh has also enjoyed an illustrious past.
Also a resin, it is extracted from the small Commiphora Tree- indigenous to The Middle East, Africa and India. It is a fragrant oil with a sweet scent often used in perfumes, and was also highly sought after and traded in the Ancient World.
In fact, Frankincense and Myrrh are commonly used together, and you will probably have heard the Story that these were two of the 3 Gifts carried by the 3 Wise Men of the Bible- Gold being the 3rd. It shows exactly how valued these resins were to be associated equally with Gold.
Myrrh was also sacred to the Ancient Egyptians as well as the Ancient Romans, and was considered among the 7 most Sacred Oils, associated with the Goddess Isis/Aphrodite.
The benefits of Myrrh include it being a powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, anti aging and moisturizing and also aids in digestion.
Myrrh also has anti-depressant qualities, being uplifting in nature. Inhaling the Oil in a burner or diffuser brings about a sense of calm and well-being- which is probably why it was used in many Ancient Temples to induce a Meditative State.
Like Frankincense, recent studies have shown that it too could help in the fight against Cancer. Specifically, Myrrh could be the answer to ridding the body of skin cancer. It is believed that applying a few drops of the Oil to the affected area will speed up recovery.
Myrrh Oil can be used in a burner or diffuser, added to a bath, massage oil, applied to a wound or inflamed area. Do not use more than a few drops (3-4) at any given time if applying directly to the skin.
It is no wonder Frankincense & Myrrh have such a magical reputation throughout our history. The benefits are amazing, and we are only just learning of the depth of them now.
Just something to note- Remember to NEVER ingest any oil unless it specifically states that it is safe to do so. Essential Oils are extremely concentrated, and some Essential Oils are beneficial when used topically or in a burner/diffuser, but are toxic when ingested. If you are pregnant or nursing, also check to make sure that it is safe to use the Oil and consult with your GP first.
The most important thing when buying any Essential Oil, including Frankincense & Myrrh, is to make sure the Oil you purchase is good quality and pure. A trusted South African Brand to use is SOIL, and I have found their Oils to be of a very good quality. What is even better is that these can be purchased straight from Dischem! No need for anymore Ancient Trade Routes, you won’t have to trek through a desert, and you don’t have to be Royalty to reap the benefits of these resins anymore. Although, you may feel like Royalty when using them.
