It seems that the day following Thanksgiving, the “Christmas season” officially begins. The streets are hung with lights, the stores are decorated with red and green, and you can’t turn on the radio without hearing some modern, bee bop Christmas tune. Everyone is busy shopping and they even begin to celebrate by holding their family or office Christmas parties…all the festivities seem to escalate and then finally there is the climax on the morning of December 25, and then it stops, abruptly. Christmas is over, the New Year begins, and people go back to their normal lives.
How did our modern world become so secular, that honestly, very few people even know that; traditional Christian celebration of Christmas is exactly the opposite.
The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and for nearly a month Christians await the coming of Christ in a spirit of anticipation, even doing minor penance and works of charity, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior. It is a joyful, and magical time with the singing of hymns and activities of preparation…Then, on December 25, Christmas Day itself ushers in 12 days of celebration, bringing us to January 6 with the feast of the Epiphany.
And the Epiphany brings us to the three gifts of the Magi.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh!
Gold, speaks for itself. It is the only metal that does not interfere with the electro-magnetic field of man. It is a perfect conductor and is therefore used in the electrical wiring of many space crafts. It never rusts or corrodes, and holds up under extreme conditions. And it is rare and beautiful and has been treasured by man and offered to our Creator in the form of art and architecture in Cathedrals around the world for centuries. Gold stimulates the senses of man in a way that seems to transcend space…therefore the perfect gift!
So why Frankincense and Myrrh?
These two oils should be in the arsenal of every family.
I’ve written on this in the past, but it is worth discussing again.
It is suggested that Frankincense, has the exact electro-magnetic field ratio as a healthy man. This MHz, or Biofield, also known historically as man’s Aura, is enhanced and balanced by its use.
Frankincense, aids digestion and respiration. Myrrh, stimulates other organ function. Together, they work to balance and fine tune, so to speak, the human body.
I use Frankincense every day. I begin my day and usually end my day with it. Very often it is in a blend that I use, but with all that I expect from myself, I need the God given balance of Frankincense.
Frankincense: Boswellia carterii
Aroma: Expansive, clean, dry, woody, conifer, fruity, pepper, and spicy
Traditionally Used: The gum and oil are used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially oriental, spice and men’s fragrances. Because frankincense has the ability to slow down and deepen the breath it has been used for thousands of years in ceremonial incense for meditation and prayer.
Properties: Antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrizant, (wound healing) cytophylactic, (stimulate the generation of new cells) digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, immunostimulant, pectoral, revitalizer, sedative, stimulant, tonic, uterine, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Acne scars, anxiety, asthma, blemishes, bronchial catarrh, bronchitis, carbuncles, circulation problems, colds, coughs, cystitis, dry and mature skin, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, eases paranoia, flu, gonorrhea, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, immune deficiencies, laryngitis, leprosy, leucorrhea, mental fatigue, nervous depression, nervous tension, prevents wrinkles, promotes awareness, relieves confusion and guilt, rheumatism, scars, scrofula, skin diseases or disorders, ulcers, urinary tract infections, and wounds.
Blends Well With: Basil, bergamot, black pepper, camphor, cinnamon, clary sage, coriander, cypress, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin, mimosa, neroli, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang, and other spices.
Interesting enough: Has been used for 5000 years for spiritual healing and was used in ancient Egypt in the embalming process. Employed in the worship of the Egyptian sun god Ra, a primordial symbol for whom was the Utchat, or All seeing – the sacred eye that burned with judgment. “Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense”. (The Song of Solomon) Frankincense was given to Jesus by a wise king, on the occasion of his birth in Bethlehem.
Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing.
And Myrrh…
Myrrh: Commiphora myrrha
Traditional Use: Used in pharmaceutical products, including mouthwashes, gargles, and toothpaste; also used in dentistry. Extensively used as fixatives and fragrance components in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes, especially oriental types and heavy florals.
Properties: Anticatarrhal, (anti-inflammatory of the mucus membranes) antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic,(reducing inflammation) antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, balsamic, carminative, cicatrisant, emmenagogue, expectorant, fungicidal, pectoral, sedative, stimulant (especially pulmonary), stomachic, tonic, uterine, and vulnerary.
Benefits: Amenorrhea, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, calms sexual excitement, catarrh, chlorosis, colds, cough, cracked heels, cuts, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, eczema, flatulence, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, hyperthyroid, laryngitis, leucorrhea, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, pruritis, (itching of the skin) pyorrhea, ( periodontitis) ringworm, sore throat, stomatitis, thrush, treats uterine disorders, tuberculosis, ulcers, voice loss, wasting degenerative disease, wounds, and wrinkles.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, chamomile roman, clove, cypress, eucalyptus citriodora, eucalyptus radiata, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, mimosa, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, and ylang ylang.
Interestingly enough: Was a revered funeral herb, burnt as an incense to honor the dead. It was said to come from the tears of Horus, the falcon-headed sun god. Not only was myrrh present at the birth of Christ – as one of the Magi’s three gifts – but at his death as well. Thought to have been one of the materials used by the Queen of Sheba in her seduction of King Solomon.
Non-irritant, non-sensitizing, possibly toxic in high concentration. Its use while pregnant is not recommended. Not for internal use.
There are so many wonderful health benefits of Essential Oils, I hope that you will take advantage of these wonderful gifts God has given us.
May God bless you and yours,
Sue Meyer, ND, CCH, CEASE, CST, SpBAP
