An alternative tradition holds that Mary and Joseph used the gold to pay for the stable, the frankincense to perfume it and the myrrh as an ointment for the new-born baby.
Frankincense was often burned as an incense, while myrrh made its way into medicine and perfume.
Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an analgesic.
Myrrh is most commonly used in perfume, incense, and religious ceremonies. This odorous sap was considered medicinal in many parts of the ancient world. In traditional Chinese medicine, for instance, it was said to have a number of benefits, including purging stagnant blood from the uterus.
The first, referred to in the carol 'We Three Kings', interprets the gifts as symbolising three aspects of Christ's future life: gold representing kingship, frankincense (worship) and myrrh (death and mourning).
And the Jews were no exception: frankincense was regularly added to burnt offerings at the Temple in Jerusalem, and was part of a special incense blend reserved for divine service. Liquid myrrh was a component in the holy anointing oil used to consecrate vessels and officiating priests.
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.
The Egyptian Ebers papyrus (circa 1500 BCE) notes that myrrh, along with frankincense, was used to treat wounds and skin sores, and as part of the embalming ointment used in mummification. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, suggested myrrh's use for coughs, as well as infections of the eyes, teeth, and mouth.
Some facets of myrrh are intensely bitter, while some smell like sweet licorice, anise, or rubber. Often the resin smells latex-y and saline (in cookery terms, if frankincense is a citrus fruit, myrrh is volcanic salt).
Myrrh – the Death of Jesus
Commonly used to embalm bodies, the gift of myrrh foreshadows Jesus' death.
Myrrh was used in ancient Israelite temple worship as an ingredient in the holy anointing oil for consecrating priests, the tabernacle, and kings (see Exodus 30:23–25). It was used in the purification of Queen Esther (see Esther 2:12), and it was also used in embalming (see John 19:39).
Myrrh was used in the purification process to beautify the women who were presented before King. Myrrh was distinctive and wonderfully fragrant. It was a requisite that Esther and all the other women in the harem to spend the first half of the twelve months working on purification, healing, restoring and cleansing.
myrrh could be effective in treating the current cases of COVID-19. It noticed in the State of Qatar, sales of herbs and Myrrh has escalade since the surgency of COVID-19 cases [44], and the price of Myrrh has soared equivalently.
Since ancient times, burning of frankincense and myrrh in places of worship for spiritual purposes and contemplation (a ubiquitous practice across various religions) had hygienic functions, to refine the smell and reduce contagion by purifying the indoor air.
molmol extract (myrrh) has significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic effects and reduces body weight gain and improves blood lipids profile.
In manufacturing, myrrh is used as a fragrance, in incense, and as a fixative in cosmetics. It is also used in embalming.
Myrrh oil is still commonly used today as a remedy for a variety of ailments. Researchers have become interested in myrrh due to its potent antioxidant activity and potential as a cancer treatment. It has also been shown to be effective in fighting certain types of parasitic infections.
The ancient Egyptians used frankincense and myrrh in the process of mummification, as well as for treating wounds and skin sores. The antimicrobial properties of the resins would seem to justify these applications.
Studies also suggest that certain myrrh oil extracts can significantly reduce pain from headaches, sore muscles, and sore backs. The compound furanodiene, which is found in myrrh oil, appears to help reduce pain significantly in many pathologies.
Myrrh was found to be a healer of dry, wrinkled and inflamed skin, including distressed skin conditions such as eczema and boils. It was notoriously known to smooth over skin and balance uneven skin tone by fading spots and scars.
It is also well known for its extensive health benefits to heal wounds, combat pain, inflammatory conditions, e.g., arthritis and obesity, and to treat infections, including leprosy and syphilis [1].
The primary historical use of myrrh was as a perfume. It is mentioned several times in the old testament. In addition to being one of the gifts of the magi, it was also offered to Jesus during the crucifixion, as well as being used to prepare his body for burial.
Myrrh - American Botanical Council. Commiphora myrrha is a small, thorny tree or shrub that can grow to 9 feet tall. It is native to southwest Asia, including Arabia, and most commonly east and northeast Africa near the region of the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf,3-6 specifically Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya.
Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar. Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks). Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.