"On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. "
As per the Biblical tale, recounted in Matthew 2:1-12, an infant Jesus of Nazareth was visited in Bethlehem on the eve of his birth by Magi bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. To our modern sensibilities, these three gifts don't seem quite even. Gold, then as now, is a highly valuable treasure.
Both frankincense and myrrh are used in TCM as medicine to relieve pain. They are known to have been introduced to China through the Silk Road around the Sui and Tang dynasties.
Frankincense
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is a resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, particularly Boswellia sacra. This aromatic resin has been used in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicine for thousands of years.
Frankincense has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was highly valued in ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Israelites. Frankincense was one of the gifts given to the newborn Jesus by the three Wise Men, according to the Christian Bible, signifying its sacred status.
In ancient Egypt, frankincense was used in religious ceremonies and was also part of the embalming process. In the Roman Empire, it was burned in sacred rituals, and it has been a key component in Christian liturgical practices for centuries.
Frankincense was also a valuable commodity in the ancient trade routes, with the main production areas being the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. The "Frankincense Route," a network of major ancient land and sea trading routes, facilitated the transportation of frankincense. In ancient times the Frankincense Trail was considered to be the most important commercial route throughout southern Arabia. The incense land trade from South Arabia to the Mediterranean flourished roughly between 7 BC till approximately 2 AD.
Ingredients: Frankincense resin is composed of a mixture of monoterpenes, diterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, along with small amounts of polysaccharides and other compounds. The specific composition can vary depending on the species of Boswellia and the environmental conditions where the tree grows.
Effects: Frankincense has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties. Some studies suggest that it may have potential benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The aroma of frankincense is also often used in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing effects. Some research suggests that Boswellia may help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It may help to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve mobility.[1]
Frankincense is known as Ru Xiang (乳香) in TCM. It carries a warm and acrid nature, reminiscent of its desert origins. Its flavor, a distinctive bitterness, lingers, emphasizing its potent and transformative properties. It is typically used in dosages ranging from 3 to 9 grams, depending on the specific needs of the individual. Ru Xiang enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians. Once there, it unfurls its actions, invigorating the blood and regulating Qi. It clears the channels and soothes pain. It also dissipates swelling, encouraging the generation of fresh flesh.
Contraindications: Frankincense is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it can cause allergic reactions in some people. It may also interact with blood-thinning medications. It is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy due to its blood invigorating effect in TCM. It is thought to increase blood flow to the uterus, and this increased blood flow could potentially lead to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage. [2]
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| https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/12/23/gold-frankincense-myrrh/ |
Myrrh
Myrrh is a resin that comes from the Commiphora myrrha tree, among others in the Commiphora species. Like frankincense, myrrh has been used in traditional medicine, incense, and perfumes for thousands of years.
Like frankincense, myrrh has ancient origins and was often used in conjunction with frankincense in religious rituals across multiple cultures. It too was one of the gifts presented to the baby Jesus by the Wise Men in the New Testament, symbolizing suffering, as myrrh was commonly used for anointing the dead and in embalming.
In ancient Egypt, myrrh was used not only in embalming but also in rejuvenating facial treatments. The Greeks valued it for its healing properties and often used it in their health practices. Additionally, myrrh was burned in ancient Roman funerals to mask the smell of bodies being cremated.
The myrrh tree grows in the arid regions of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa. Like frankincense, it was a valuable trade commodity along the incense routes of antiquity.
Ingredients: Myrrh resin contains a variety of compounds, including sesquiterpenes, terpenoids, and other volatile oils. Its distinctive aroma is primarily due to the presence of these volatile oils.
Effects: Traditionally, myrrh has been used for its antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been applied topically for wound healing and taken internally for digestive issues and respiratory conditions. Some research suggests that it may have potential antimicrobial and anticancer effects.
Myrrh is called Mo Yao (沒藥) in TCM. It has a neutral property. It shares the bitterness of its counterpart, Frankincense, a sign of its potent 'going downward energy'. In TCM, the bitter taste is associated with a downward-moving nature. The recommended dosage parallels that of Frankincense, typically between 3 and 9 grams.
Myrrh enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians. It invigorates the blood, disperses blood stasis, and alleviates pain. It also has the power to dissipate swelling and foster the growth of new flesh.
Contraindications: Myrrh is generally safe for most people when used appropriately. However, it can cause a skin rash in some people if applied topically and may cause diarrhea, stomach pain, or other digestive issues if taken internally. It may interact with blood-thinning medications and should be used with caution in people with bleeding disorders.[3] Mo Yao has a powerful transformative effect on blood stasis, which is why it is generally avoided in pregnant individuals and those with a weak digestive system in the realm of TCM. As always, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy.
[1] Yu G, Xiang W, Zhang T, Zeng L, Yang K, Li J. Effectiveness of Boswellia and Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Jul 17;20(1):225. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-02985-6.
[2] Ahmed M, Hwang JH, Choi S, Han D. Safety classification of herbal medicines used among pregnant women in Asian countries: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017;17(1):489. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1995-6
[3] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-570/myrrh