MYRRH-CALAMUS -ALOES-PERFUMES THE ART OF FIRST CHEMIST
Moreover the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.(Exudos 30:22-25)
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Maryhis mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.(Matthew 2:11)
Myrrh is a resin that comes from trees belonging to the genusCommiphora - which grow in Northern Africa and the Middle East.
The sap like substance, which has a unique sweet and smoky aroma, has a wide range of uses.
Myrrh is mainly used:
as a fragrance
for embalming
to flavor food products
for its potential therapeutic properties
This Medical News Today article provides details on Myrrh's potential health benefits as well as some possible side effects and precautions.
The essential oil has been part of medical practice in traditional therapies for millennia.
The word myrrh comes from the Arabic word "murr" which translates into "bitter".
In Ancient Egypt myrrh was used to treat hay fever and herpes. The ancient Greeks used it as an antiseptic for soldiers to clean up battle wounds - myrrh was commonly carried into the battlefield.
Myrrh is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts the three wise men brought to Jesus when he was born (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh).
Myrrh's potential health benefits
A vial of myrrh essential oil.
Modern scientific research is beginning to find evidence suggesting that Myrrh may offer some health benefits. However, it is important to note that many of these claims require further studies.
Possible benefits of myrrh include:
Antioxidant benefits - a study published in the prestigious journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion was able to protect against lead (PbAc)-induced hepatotoxicity.
The authors of the study concluded that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion is a "powerful antioxidant" that can "protect against PbAc-induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant and immune defense mechanisms."1
Anticancer properties - a group of Chinese researchers revealed that extracts and compounds from Commiphora myrrha resin may be effective against human gynecologic cancer cells.2 Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.
Despite a current lack of scientific evidence, many people use myrrh for treating:
CoughAsthmaThe sap like substance, which has a unique sweet and smoky aroma, has a wide range of uses.
Myrrh is mainly used:
as a fragrance
for embalming
to flavor food products
for its potential therapeutic properties
This Medical News Today article provides details on Myrrh's potential health benefits as well as some possible side effects and precautions.
The essential oil has been part of medical practice in traditional therapies for millennia.
The word myrrh comes from the Arabic word "murr" which translates into "bitter".
In Ancient Egypt myrrh was used to treat hay fever and herpes. The ancient Greeks used it as an antiseptic for soldiers to clean up battle wounds - myrrh was commonly carried into the battlefield.
Myrrh is mentioned in the New Testament as one of the three gifts the three wise men brought to Jesus when he was born (Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh).
Myrrh's potential health benefits
A vial of myrrh essential oil.
Modern scientific research is beginning to find evidence suggesting that Myrrh may offer some health benefits. However, it is important to note that many of these claims require further studies.
Possible benefits of myrrh include:
Antioxidant benefits - a study published in the prestigious journal Food and Chemical Toxicology found that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion was able to protect against lead (PbAc)-induced hepatotoxicity.
The authors of the study concluded that myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion is a "powerful antioxidant" that can "protect against PbAc-induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant and immune defense mechanisms."1
Anticancer properties - a group of Chinese researchers revealed that extracts and compounds from Commiphora myrrha resin may be effective against human gynecologic cancer cells.2 Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research.
Despite a current lack of scientific evidence, many people use myrrh for treating:
Indigestion
Ulcers
Sore throat
Congestion
Hemorrhoids
Joint pain
Side effects and precautions
People are advised not to consume high amounts of myrrh as it can potentially cause severe heart irregularities, according to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research3.
In addition, people who have sensitive skin may develop allergic contact dermatitis. The finding was reported in a study published in Contact Dermatitis.4
Women who are pregnant should avoid taking myrrh by mouth as it may be a cause of miscarriage.
Side effects of Myrrh may include:
Making a fever worse
Heart Problems
Lowering blood pressure
Uterine bleeding
CHEMISTRY:
And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary:(Exodus 30:25)
Apothecary /əˈpɒθɨkÉ™ri/ is a historical name for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients— a role now served by a pharmacist (or a chemist or dispensing chemist) and some caregivers.
In addition to pharmacy responsibilities, the apothecary offered general medical advice and a range of services that are now performed solely by other specialist practitioners, such as surgery and midwifery. Apothecaries often operated through a retail shop which, in addition to ingredients for medicines, sold tobacco and patent medicines.
In its investigation of herbal and chemical ingredients, the work of an apothecary may be regarded as a precursor of the modern sciences of chemistry andpharmacology, prior to the formulation of the scientific method.
PERFUMES:
New International Version
As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.(Ecle.10:1)
Calamus:
Sweet flag has a very long history of medicinal use in Chinese and Indian herbal traditions. The leaves, stems, and roots are used in various Siddhaand Ayurvedic medicines. It is widely employed in modern herbal medicine as its sedative, laxative, diuretic, and carminative properties. It is used in Ayurveda to counter the side effects of all hallucinogens. Sweet Flag, known as "Rat Root" is one of the most widely and frequently used herbal medicines amongst the Chipewyan people.
Aloe:
The medicinal uses of aloe vera are amazing, as the benefits of aloe vera remedies are truly significant. Aloe vera is well-loved by many, and a famed household plant. This plant is incredibly diverse in its uses. I invite you to come find out why you should consider having this wonderful, succulent plant in your home too.
Amazing benefits of aloe vera
I remember it well. There I was, walking out of a coffee shop in Ashland, Oregon so many years ago on a crisp fall morning with a very hot cup of tea in my hand. It was my right hand and I am right hand dominant. I stopped to look up at the azure sky, gazing at the clouds for a moment. In that moment as I saw clouds turn into soft creatures and I imagined myself floating along with them a skate boarder skidded right into me.
It threw me off balance and my very hot cup of tea splashed all over my hand. I could feel the first few layers of my skin sting immediately. I had just gotten a second degree burn. To this day, I still have the faintest light brown color on my right hand from this burn. If it weren't for the medicinal uses of aloe vera to soothe my skin immediately (from inside the coffee shop!), it could've been much worse.
There are as many benefits as there are medicinal uses of aloe vera. The gel that is found on the inside of this plant is cooling and soothing for all sorts of things from burns, cuts, stings, bruises and rashes to welts, itching, blisters, infections, and abrasions. Here are some other incredible benefits and medicinal uses of aloe vera:
Aloe vera is good for irritated or inflamed skin.
Aloe vera helps repair your skin from the most tender of wounds.
Aloe vera helps speed the process of healing to burns and other wounds.
Aloe vera is hydrating, rejuvenating and toning for your skin.
Aloe vera moisturizes and softens your skin.
Imagine never having to go to the grocery store to buy aloe vera remedies when you can grow it as a house plant and get it fresh anytime you need it! You end up saving money, time, reduce packaging and resources, and you get this direct and immediate connection with the aloe vera plant right at your fingertips. Often there are commercial products available in grocery stores and other places with aloe vera in it. The disadvantage to using products like these is that there are often artificial additives that aren't needed. All you need is the plant itself to receive the benefits of the medicinal uses of aloe vera.
There's something else that's missing here. It's connection. By having aloe vera available right on hand to use when you need it for immediate relief or for making your own goods, you create an important and necessary connection. Having aloe vera right on hand calls you forward into having a greater awareness of taking care of yourself and knowing how to respond to your health needs. I think of aloe vera like one of my most prized allies. I not only get companionship, beauty and aesthetics right around me from the aloe, I get medicinal uses of aloe vera anytime I need them.
A friend of mine once gave me an aloe vera plant and said to me, "Jeannine, you just never know when you'll need to use it." She was right. And one day my toddler son just barely touched our wood stove with the tips of his little fingers and got a really bad burn. Aloe vera remedies came to the rescue. After applying aloe vera directly and then making an aloe vera wash as well, his fingertips cooled down quickly, the healing began, and it helped him to calm down.
Lastly, you get to be up close and personal with the aloe vera plant knowing that it's a fairly easy plant to grow and take care of. You get the satisfaction of learning how to bring immediate relief in painful moments like getting a burn and you also get the total fulfillment of learning how to use aloe vera in everyday life to nourish and support your health and well-being in many different ways. All this from the incredible medicinal uses of aloe vera!
Medicinal uses of aloe vera
Aloe vera is very versatile. It's your immediate assistant for relieving burns from sun exposure, chemical burns, or burns from a fire. It's even used in the burn units of some hospitals! However, beyond the emergencies and immediate medicinal uses of aloe vera, it can be added to other ingredients to make soap, facial toners, facial scrubs and masks, after shave, mists, lip balm, salve, tinctures, washes, creams and astringents. One of my favorite ways to use aloe vera is to drink its juice. It's incredibly cleansing and has a really tasty punchy flavor!
Want to soften and condition your hair and get it clean without stripping it of its protective oils? Aloe vera remedies come in the form of shampoos that make your hair naturally sparkle. When combined with other plants and oils for this particular use, the medicinal uses of aloe vera truly shine (no pun intended)! Aloe vera gel has a 4.3 pH that makes it wonderful for shampoos and lotions.
One of the other medicinal uses of aloe vera is that it contains aloin, the brown gel which is focused near the blades of the leaf. Aloin is a natural sunscreen protectant from sun exposure. Speaking of skin, there are many aloe vera remedies that are good for all skin types from oily to dry.
Topical Aloe Uses
1. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.
2. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.
3. For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer.
4. Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on the good goo.
5. Soothe and heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol.
6. Take the sting or itch out of insect bites.
7. Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
8. Alleviate mysterious rashes.
9. Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.
10. Help heal herpes outbreaks.
11. Fight Athlete's Foot.
12. Swab over blisters for quick relief.
13. Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
14. Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
15. Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
16. Soothe Psoriasis.
17. Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
18. Help rid of Rosacea.
19. Shrink warts.
20. Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles. Cleopatra did!
21. Help eliminate Eczema.
22. Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.
23. Make skin new again with an exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.
24. For rougher patches mix together an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
25. Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.
26. Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse.
27. Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair.
28. Remove eye makeup.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
30. Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.
31. Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it's recommended for its laxative effects.
32. Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and discomfort.
33. Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
34. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
35. Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially for diabetics.
36. Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.
37. Drink to help ease congestion, stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections and prostate problems.
38. Take orally to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.
39. Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.
40. Toast to its general detoxifier and health boosting qualities!
Cassia:
Cassia bark yields from 1 to 2 per cent of volatile oil, somewhat resembling that of cinnamon. It should be kept from the light in well-stoppered, ambercoloured bottles. It is cheaper and more abundant than the Ceylon variety, and is the only official oil of Cinnamon in the United States Pharmacopoeia and German Pharmacopoeia. It is imported from Canton and Singapore. Its value depends on the percentage of cinnamic aldehyde which it contains. It is heavier, less liquid, and congeals more quickly than the Ceylon oil.
There are also found in it cinnamyl acetate, cinnamic acid, phenylpropyl acetate and orthocumaric aldehyde, tannic acid and starch.
Ceylon cinnamon, if tested with one or two drops of tincture of iodine to a fluid ounce of a decoction of the powder, is but little affected, while with Cassia a deep blueblack colour is produced. The cheaper kinds of Cassia can be distinguished by the greater quantity of mucilage, which can be extracted by cold water.
Eighty pounds of the freshly-prepared bark yield about 2.5 oz. of the lighter of the two oils produced, and 5 5 of the heavier.
An oil was formerly obtained by distilling the leaves after maceration in sea water, and this was imported into Great Britain.
---Medicinal Action and Uses---Stomachic, carminative, mildly astringent, said to be emmenagogue and capable of decreasing the secretion of milk. The tincture is useful in uterine haemorrhage and menorrhagia, the doses of 1 drachm being given every 5, 10 or 20 minutes as required. It is chiefly used to assist and flavour other drugs, being helpful in diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and to relieve flatulence.
The oil is a powerful germicide, but being very irritant is rarely used in medicine for this purpose. It is a strong local stimulant, sometimes prescribed in gastro-dynia, flatulent colic, and gastric debility.
---Dosages---Of oil, 1 to 3 minims. Of powder, 10 to 20 grains.
---Poisons and Antidotes---It was found that 6 drachms of the oil would kill a moderately sized dog in five hours, and 2 drachms in forty hours, inflammation of the gastro-intestinal mucous membrane being observed.
---Other Species, Substitutes and Adulterations---The powder cinnamon is often adulterated with sugar, ground walnut shells, galanga rhizome, etc.
The oil sometimes contains resin, petroleum, or oil of Cloves. Saigon cinnamon was recognized by the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1890. It comes from French Cochin-China, its botanical origin being uncertain. It is also known as Annam Cinnamon, China Cinnamon, and God's Cinnamon.
For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey;(Deut.8:7-8)
Pomegranates:
The pomegranate tree is useful in many ways and almost every part is useful in one way or other.
The bark of the branches and decoction of the roots which contain an alkaloid pellatrierine and tannic acid is a highly useful medicine to get rid of helminthes, the intestinal parasite worms in the human intestine. This decoction is reported to be effective also in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is also employed in the control of dysentery and diarrhea.
Pomegranate seeds are rich in oil, which have hormone producing effects and stimulate estrogen hormone. It is also used to prepare cosmetics and moisturizing body lotion.
Powder prepared from rind is used as a tooth powder and also as medicine a cosmetic industries. Rind powder is excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. The powder contains 16.5% polyphenols and 5.35% mineral matter.
Decoction of the flowers is used to relieve oral and throat inflammation.
Pomegranate fruit juice makes an excellent drink which contains potassium, phosphorous and calcium as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc and copper. The juice stimulates appetite and is used in treatment of stomach disorders. It is a good painkiller. The fruit juice is beneficial for dry coughs, provides relief in urinary disorders and can be used to wash wounds and ulcers. It is well known as an excellent treatment for anemia.
Pomegranate fruit has a high content of riboflavin, the B2 vitamin that normalizes the nervous system and is used against radiation sickness.
Medicinal properties:
Pomegranate is a poly-vitamin, a unique fruit plant producing a wide spectrum of biologically active substances espescially important in our present-day polluted environment. It helps in preventing the harmful effects of radioactive substances by producing biologically active substances. Russians, after the deadly Chernobyl tragedy, used pomegranates to reduce the effect of radioactive substances. In order to maintain the health and energy levels of astronomers, submariners and coal miners, they often consume pomegranate juice regularly.
Pomegranate is loaded with tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenolics and antioxidant vitamins, A, E and C, all of which have a health effect on the body. These elements work together to benefit the arteries, plus it keeps the cardiovascular system healthy which is the chief health benefit of Pomogranate. It has also been found to increase levels of nitric oxide, which improve blood flow to the heart, reduce arterial plaque, reduce systolic blood pressure and help in curing erectile dysfunction.
Other benefits include preventing premature aging, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer's and even cancer.
Medicinal uses:
Diarrhea:
The skin of the fruit is valuable in the treatment of diarrhea. About 20g of the skin and 3g of cloves or cinnamon should be boiled well in about 250ml of water. After cooling the patient should drink 30-40ml of the liquid thrice a day for few days.
Hoarseness or loss of voice:
Boil 20g of the skin and 2-3g of alum in 250ml of water. Use the liquid for gargling.
Stomachache:
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the fresh seeds and eat.
Hyperacidity:The peel of the fruit should be dried and powdered and taken in doses of 5-10g, twice or thrice a day.
Poor appetite and digestive disorders:
Make regular use of the pure juice of the fruit. Also use it for simple colitis where colon is inflamed, characterized by colicky pain and constipation or diarrhea. The juice is an excellent remedy in dysentery, inflammation and ulceration of the lower part of the colon, characterized by pain and diarrhea with bloody stools and mucus.
Nausea and morning sickness:
For nausea and morning sickness characterized by excessive secretion of bile, a tablespoon of the fresh juice mixed with an equal quantity of honey is an effective remedy.
Intestinal worms:
The bark of the pomegranate tree is highly toxic to intestinal worms. Boil the bark of a 2-inch long root bit in a cup of water and drink it three times a day to relieve the parasites.
Fever:
Mix a pinch of saffron powder to a glass of juice. The beverage is very useful in fevers and it keeps away thirst felt during fever.
Skin irritation caused by intestinal worms:
Anal itching is a key symptom indicating the presence of intestinal worms. It is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs causing local itching. Roast the skin of the pomegranate until it is dark brown and brittle. Crush the powder to a fine texture. Mix with a little edible oil and apply over the anus.
Teeth and gum disorder:
Regular use of toothpowder of the rind helps in prevention and curing tooth decay and gum disease. It cleans the teeth, leaving them sparkling white. To make the powder, dry the rind in the sun until it is brittle and grind it. Mix the powder with a little fine black pepper and store in a jar. Use it everyday with a toothbrush or apply and rub with the finger.
Bleeding piles:
Take about 10g of the skin of the sour variety of the fruit and boil in about 250ml of water. Sweeten with sugar and drink in the morning and evening hours.
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