Its Christmas and I can't think of a better topic then the Gifts of the Magi. Now of course they have spiritual and historical significance but they also have healing properties. For the purposes of survival and this post I think the healing properties deserve a bit of exploring. While we are at it, we can also look at the healing properties of some other plants which are associated with the season. The wise men are only attributed with bringing three gifts to the Saviour but there is no reason to believe that they didn't bring other gifts of healing as well.
The gifts that are listed are gold, frankincense and myrrh. Unless you live in a tropical area that never freezes it would be difficult to grow either frankincense or myrrh because they come from the sap of tropical trees. It is possible to grow them inside if they are very carefully handled but its much easier to buy some resin or better yet essential oils and store them for when you need them. Of course, gold isn't an herb but colloidal gold is usually sold wherever essential oils are available. It is, of course, very expensive but its not the kind of thing you slather on so a little goes a long way. as usual, I am not giving medical advice. You need to do research into side effects and further uses of anything you decide to use. You also are the only one who knows your own health situation. In the case of Pregnant women and young children we always need to pay special attention to warnings. Use anything I share as just a starting point for your own research.
Myrrh has been used for centuries in healing. Its used for mouth ulcers, gingivitis, gums, asthma, colds, coughs, sore throats, open sores, arthritis, menstrual problems, athletes foot, ringworm, chapped/cracked skin, wrinkles, eczema and leprosy. Myrrh is usually mixed with other essential oils when using. Most sources don't recommend excessive use because too much can be toxic. It should not be taken internally but it is used to gargle and in mouthwashes and toothpastes that are spit out rather then swallowed. To use it topically mix 4-5 drops with a carrier oil like almond or a good olive oil and apply to affected area massaging it into the skin. For a mouthwash or gargle mix 1/2 cup of fine sea salt with 10 drops of myrrh, 5 drops of peppermint and 5 drops of tea tree oil. Store in an airtight container. To use, mix with warm water and gargle being careful not to swallow. It should soothe and heal your teeth, gums and throat. To make a toothpaste reduce the salt to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Pour a small amount in your palm. Wet toothbrush and dip in the mixture then brush teeth. Spit out and rinse.
Frankincense is used on the skin for wounds, acne, scars, wrinkles. Its also used for asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, colds, arthritis and inflammation. To use it on the face it can be made into a mask by mixing 10 drops with 1/4 cup of bentonite clay. (You can also mix in other ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, honey and sea salt depending on your skin condition). Store the mixture in an airtight container. Pour a small amount into your palm and mix with warm water to form a paste. Apply to damp skin and allow to dry. Wash off with warm water and moisturize the skin. You can use a carrier oil with several drops of frankincense if you like. The mask will help draw out impurities and heal the skin and the moisturizing oil will protect, heal and soothe the skin. The frankincense in carrier oil can also be used alone to heal and soothe wounds, scratches, inflamed joints and aches. Frankincense can be added to a warm bath to soothe joints and skin inflammations. As with all essential oils aromatherapy is part of the healing so breathing deeply when using or bathing helps. Adding the oils to a lamp infuser ring or a vaporizer is also helpful for asthma, colds, flu or other breathing problems.
Gold, aside from being valuable in the form of money is surprisingly one of the most powerful healing agents. Bacteria and viruses cannot live in or near gold. If used in surgery it naturally keeps wounds bacteria free and promotes healing. If used in dental work it prevents new bacteria from forming and it never corrodes which is why it was the metal of preference for dental work prior to modern dentistry. Since it promotes healing, it does more then the plain fillings that are used in more "modern" dental work. It is the only metal that when placed in the body is not rejected as a foreign substance. The body accepts it as it remains in wounds healing and protecting from infection. To use colloidal gold it is merely used sparingly on any wound, burn or injury to promote faster and cleaner healing with less scarring and pain. If taken internally it boosts the immune system.
There are other plants that are associated with the Christmas season but not necessarily the Magi. However they also have some healing properties that bear mentioning. The poinsettia plant is often said to be toxic but as I understand it, it would be difficult to consume enough to do much more then cause stomach upset and vomiting. I personally would not take it internally but I have and would use it topically. The cut and bruised stalks and leaves of the plant contain a latex that helps heal wounds much like the aloe plant. Just cut some of the plant and mash or chop then apply as a poultice to injuries to soothe and promote healing.
The pine or fir which we decorate with is high in vitamin C and can be used to make a tea to boost the immune system and supply needed nutrients. It is also used in liniments and rubs as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Pine sawdust can be used as an external poultice for healing and pain from swelling and deep aches. It can be added to a hot bath for soothing aching joints and circulation. The resins and oils have been used on livestock for fleas and flies as well as for healing. Pine tar soap and shampoo is often made for lice, dandruff and for soothing aching muscles and joints.
There are many, many uses for those gifts of the magi and also our common Christmas plants. I can't begin to list everything in one simple post or even a dozen. Hopefully, you will find something that interests you and further your research on healing with these and other plants and oils. Perhaps you will take a moment and read the accounting of the first Christ-mas and the truly amazing gifts of the Magi who travelled so many miles to give what were truly magnificent and wonderful gifts fit for a king. Those gifts are still available today to those of us who are from far more humble circumstances.
Merry Christmas
Southern Wood Elf