Holiday Tree Info What Is Frankincense And Myrrh

Frankincense and myrrh are the aromatic resins, or dried sap, derived from trees. Frankincense trees are of the genus Boswellia, and Myrrh trees from the genus Commiphora, both of which are common to Somalia and Ethiopia. Both today and in the past, frankincense and myrrh are used as incense.

What was frankincense and myrrh used for?

In the West, frankincense and myrrh have been used as incense in religious and cultural ceremonies since ancient times; in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, they are used mainly for the treatment of chronic diseases. The main chemical constituents of frankincense and myrrh are terpenoids and essential oils.

What were frankincense and myrrh?

Frankincense and myrrh are both resins extracted from trees in the Burseraceae family, also known as the torchwood or incense family. Frankincense comes from the dried sap of Boswellia trees, while myrrh comes from the lifeblood of the Commiphora.

What is myrrh Christmas?

The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death. This dates back to Origen in Contra Celsum: "gold, as to a king; myrrh, as to one who was mortal; and incense, as to a God."

What is the definition of myrrh?

: a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora abyssinica of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum.

Who gave Jesus myrrh?

There are legends, stories. One legend says the thieves crucified with Jesus had stolen the gold given him at birth. Another says that Judas was made custodian of the gifts and he sold them and pocketed the money. There is a story that the myrrh given to Jesus as a child was used in his burial.

What are the healing properties of frankincense?

5 Benefits and Uses of Frankincense — And 7 Myths

May Reduce Arthritis. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce joint inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. ...
May Improve Gut Function. ...
Improves Asthma. ...
Maintains Oral Health. ...
May Fight Certain Cancers.

What is the best smelling frankincense?

Most Unique Frankincense: Encens Chembur by Byredo

Encens Chembur is a well-balanced fragrance of spice, incense, and citrus. It's an unusual and adventurous combination that is well-blended in this unisex perfume that's perfect for winter.

What smells better frankincense or myrrh?

But we are here to help unlock the mystery. Both Frankincense and Myrrh are resins derived from the sap of trees. Both scents are on the bolder, stronger side. Frankincense is sweet, warm, and woodsy, while Myrrh is more earthy with slight licorice notes.

What is frankincense used for spiritually?

When inhaled through the nose or diffused into the air, frankincense may promote a sense of peace, relaxation, grounding and connectedness. It's the perfect companion for getting into a meditative, spiritual state.

What is myrrh good for?

Myrrh is used for indigestion, ulcers, colds, cough, asthma, lung congestion, arthritis pain, cancer, leprosy, spasms, and syphilis. It is also used as a stimulant and to increase menstrual flow.

What was myrrh used for in biblical times?

Myrrh was an ingredient of Ketoret: the consecrated incense used in the First and Second Temples at Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud. ... Myrrh is also listed as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil used to anoint the tabernacle, high priests and kings.

What does myrrh look like?

Myrrh is a reddish-brown dried sap from a thorny tree — Commiphora myrrha, also known as C. molmol — that is native to northeastern Africa and southwest Asia ( 1 , 2). A steam distillation process is used to extract myrrh essential oil, which is amber to brown in color and has an earthy scent (3).

What was frankincense used for in the Bible?

Frankincense is the gum or resin of the Boswellia tree, used for making perfume and incense. It was one of the ingredients God instructed the Israelites to use in making the pure and sacred incense blend for the most holy place in the tabernacle.

What is frankincense used for?

Frankincense is used for pain and swelling in people with various diseases. Also used for gas (flatulence), wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Frankincense is also used as a flavoring agent in foods and as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

What does myrrh smell like?

The dark brown myrrh resin has a rich sweetness and darkly fruity scent reminiscent of treacle, plum and figs. Myrrh oil is also warm, yet drier than the resin, with earthy, woody, and faintly sweet facets.

What religion are magi?

Magi (/ˈmeɪdʒaɪ/; singular magus /ˈmeɪɡəs/; from Latin magus) were priests in Zoroastrianism and the earlier religions of the western Iranians. The earliest known use of the word magi is in the trilingual inscription written by Darius the Great, known as the Behistun Inscription.

Is Myrrh expensive?

Myrrh is roughly twice as expensive, but prices are volatile – something that can also be said for the Wise Men's third gift. Four days before Christmas, an ounce of gold costs £1,029.20 on the international market – up by nearly 20 per cent this year.

Who gave frankincense to Jesus?

Gaspar represents the Frankincense brought to Jesus. Melchior, who has long white hair and a white beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold brought to Jesus.

Is frankincense good for wrinkles?

Frankincense Oil – is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent premature ageing and improve the appearance of pores, wrinkles and even scars. It also has astringent properties that make it ideal for healing and anti-ageing purposes.

Will frankincense help me sleep?

Frankincense is a wonderful sleep aid because of its aromatherapeutic benefits, relieving stress and promoting relaxation. Place a few drops of oil into your hands, rub your palms together, and inhale before laying down to sleep.

Does burning frankincense clean air?

FROM the Holy Land comes a fragrant revelation as modern as it is ancient: Frankincense, burned for millennia to sweeten and purify the air, does not just smell good. It does not just, arguably, drive off demons or make a nice gift from a Wise Man. It may very well be good for you.