The Medicines And Aromatics Of Frankincense And Myrrh

August 20, 2010 Vicki Mitchell essential oils, How To Use Essential Oils

Both frankincense and myrrh hold unique positions in the realm of natural healing. They both have extensive histories, of medicine intertwined with spirituality.

Even now, modern science is investigating their medicinal values, with very positive results. Yet for many newcomers to aromatherapy and natural health, these aromatic plant medicines are somewhat mysterious.

The first unique thing about both these essential oils is their source: they’re both distilled from dried resin — essentially the collected sap of tree.

Frankincense and myrrh are the proper terms for the dried resin from each tree (or shrub) itself, while the actual plants are called by different names. The resin is collected by catching it as it exudes from wounds in the trees — the resin’s production is actually a healing activity of the plant, sealing its wounds.

Collection of the resin is considered not harmful, and can go on throughout the life of the tree. The dried resin forms into little balls, sometimes called "tears" or "pearls". The trees are native to the deserts of North Africa and surrounding regions.

Myrrh is extracted from the Commiphora myrrha (also called C. ‘molmol’) or Commiphora gileadensis trees; Frankincense from the Olibanum trees Boswellia carteri, Boswellia seratta and Boswellia sacra.

To the untrained eye, the trees are remarkably similar, with knurled branches and tiny leaves — both looking tough and native to their very arid regions. Both frankincense and myrrh have very long histories of use, dating back several thousand years — with a recorded history not much older than mankind itself. Both have been burned as incense for purification purposes, again both medicinally and spiritually.

Burning frankincense is the classic scent of the Catholic church, at one time being an important fumigant during times of plague. The name frankincense is actually a combination of ancient terms meaning "pure smoke".

Today, one can still burn these resins as incense, or diffuse the essential oils themselves. The essential oils of frankincense and myrrh can be more easily incorporated in therapeutic preparations than the resins.

Their liquid nature is easily combined in massage or skin care preparations. And you’ll actually find several types of essential oils — with the new advent of distilling with pressurized liquid carbon dioxide, these oils are available as "CO2′s", which in the case of these oils may have more potent healing effects than their steam distilled relatives. The reason being is the CO2 process brings more of the natural resin material into the oil, whereas steam distillation only brings the most volatile (easily evaporated) molecules.

The essential oils share two main therapeutic applications: they’re considered, along with sandalwood, the greatest of the "meditation aides" in aromatherapy. Their long chain "sesquiterpene" molecules interact with the pineal gland, also sometimes referred to as the "third eye". This part of the brain is associated with spiritual insight, as well as regulating our bodies functions in relation to the cycles of day and night.

Both oils are also used for prevention and treatment of aging skin — they have been shown, with regular use, to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture.

Myrrh is commonly used for its anti-infectious properties. It has a long history of use for treating ulcers of all kinds, and specifically for those inside the mouth.

For painful gum infections, a poultice can be made of powdered myrrh resin or CO2 oil, slippery elm bark powder, and a sprinkling of antibacterial essential oils. A ball of this is packed in place at the site of the wound, and replaced every hour or so until the infection is pulled to the surface.

A tincture containing approximately 20% resin dissolved in alcohol is a popular natural antiseptic. This tincture can be used as an antiseptic for the mouth cavity.The CO2 extract of the resin is the oil of choice for a similar effect.

Frankincense has been the subject of a significant amount of scientific research in the last decade. It has shown the ability to destroy cancerous cells, while leaving healthy cells unaffected.

Scientific inquiry into this activity is still at its earliest stages, and as of yet, protocols for its use have not been developed.

Interestingly, the oil has been noted as one of the primary immune-system support aromatics in aromatherapy, by improving one’s sense of well-being. Clearly incorporating its use in one’s health and wellness program as a preventative measure is worth looking into.

The boswellic acids found in frankincense resin and CO2 distillation have potent anti-inflammatory activity, and are now found in creams and oils specifically for conditions of painful joints. These compounds have been shown to be COX-2 inhibitors, meaning they prevent the formation of enzymes which lead to inflammation. Including the essential oil in massage formulas is an excellent way to utilize this benefit, particularly when combined with other anti-inflammatory and analgesic aromatics.

This is just a brief look at these mysterious resins of antiquity. With the availability of their liquid extracts, they’ve become very easy for the aromatherapy and natural health enthusiast to make use of on a regular basis. They’re both considered very important healers: myrrh being a potent antiseptic and frankincense supporting immune function in many ways. Both have a more esoteric side as well, which still in fact leaves a little bit of mystery to their use.

The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using Aromatherapy and Bach flower remedies . She can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.com