Boswellia serrata FAMILY NAME:
Burseraceae
COMMON NAME:
Frankincense
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...p;dopt=Abstract
"
Boswellic acids are the compounds isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia serrata and have been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for many years in the countries of the east. Recently, a few studies showed that the acids may have anti-cancer effect on leukemia and brain tumours. We investigated the apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of two types of boswellic acids, keto-beta-boswellic acid and acetyl-keto-beta-boswellic acid, on liver cancer Hep G2 cells. After treating the cells with the boswellic acids, cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and apoptosis were analysed. The activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 were assayed. To explore the apoptotic pathway, specific caspase inhibitors were employed. It was found that boswellic acids decreased cell viability and [3H]thymidine incorporation, checked the cells in the G1 phase, and increased percentage of sub-G1. Boswellic acids strongly induced apoptosis accompanied by activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9. The apoptosis was blocked completely by caspase-8 or caspase-3 inhibitor, but inhibited partly by caspase-9 inhibitor. However, these caspase inhibitors did not show any effect on the alternations of cell viability caused by boswellic acids. In conclusion, boswellic acids have anti-proliferation and anti-cancer effects on Hep G2 cells. The apoptotic effect is mediated by a pathway dependent on caspase-8 activation. The acids may be a promising drug for the chemoprevention of liver cancer."
http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb94.htm
Full Version: Gold, frankincense, myrrh, and medicine.
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/myrrh.htm
Guggulsterones are reputed to lower blood lipids, including cholesterol. The proposed mechanism, based on animal research, is that guggulsterone inhibits a gene in the nucleus of liver cells called the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). This receptor responds to bile acids and affects cholesterol absorption. It is possible that by inhibiting this receptor, intestinal cholesterol is less well absorbed and cholesterol in the liver is better excreted, lowering the serum cholesterol levels (6). In general, steroidal compounds in herbs, including common triterpene glycosides (saponins) and sterols, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood lipids. It remains to be determined whether guggulsterone is superior to other compounds found in plants.
Guggulsterones are reputed to lower blood lipids, including cholesterol. The proposed mechanism, based on animal research, is that guggulsterone inhibits a gene in the nucleus of liver cells called the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). This receptor responds to bile acids and affects cholesterol absorption. It is possible that by inhibiting this receptor, intestinal cholesterol is less well absorbed and cholesterol in the liver is better excreted, lowering the serum cholesterol levels (6). In general, steroidal compounds in herbs, including common triterpene glycosides (saponins) and sterols, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood lipids. It remains to be determined whether guggulsterone is superior to other compounds found in plants.
QUOTE
Myrrh: Nature's Ancient Anti-Inflammatory Agent
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health//myrrh...ammatory_agent/
It's been used in the Middle East for thousands of years to treat infected wounds and bronchial complaints. In Mesopotamia and the Greek and Roman worlds, this powerful herb was considered a panacea for many human ailments-from lesions of the mouth to hemorrhoids. The Chinese even put it to work in treating psychiatric afflictions. MYRRH boasts a long history in Indian medicine for the treatment of mouth ulcers, gingivitis, throat infections, inflammation of the mouth, and respiratory catarrh. It's topically applied to ulcers and may be used as a mouthwash or gargle. In East Africa, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agent.
High Trade Value
In ancient times, the Egyptians imported great quantities of myrrh from Palestine. Because of its unique aromatic fragrance, it was highly valued as a trade commodity. The Ishmaelite travelers who purchased Joseph from his meanspirited brothers were journeying to Egypt with camels loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). It was believed that the Queen of Sheba brought great quantities of the herb and other spices from Yemen as gifts for King Solomon. The long-heralded "balm of Gilead" is a member of the myrrh family, known far and wide as a healing agent for wounds.
When the sons of Jacob returned to him with the request from Joseph to bring Benjamin to Egypt the old patriarch sent products from the land of Palestine in an attempt to appease the prime minister. The shipment included myrrh, along with almonds, pistachio nuts, honey, and spices (Genesis 43:11).
Precious Perfume
Myrrh was commonly used as perfume in the Middle East. In ancient Persia, when King Ahasuerus set about choosing a new queen to replace Vashti, the eligible girls had to complete 12 months of beauty treatments, including a six-month cosmetic regimen with the oil of myrrh (Esther 2:12). That oil is still used today during massage treatments.
The herb was one of the ingredients of the anointing oil used in the Jewish tabernacle and served as incense in religious rituals centered on ancient gods. It was proved effective as a fiimigant for homes and temples of the Old Testament.
But it is Christ's life with which myrrh is most famously connected. The magi who visited Mary and Joseph at the birth of Jesus brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). That gift hinted at the future awaiting the tiny baby in the manger. Myrrh was commonly used as an embalming agent by Egyptians and others in the ancient world. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and prepared it for burial using 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes (John 19:39).
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health//myrrh...ammatory_agent/
It's been used in the Middle East for thousands of years to treat infected wounds and bronchial complaints. In Mesopotamia and the Greek and Roman worlds, this powerful herb was considered a panacea for many human ailments-from lesions of the mouth to hemorrhoids. The Chinese even put it to work in treating psychiatric afflictions. MYRRH boasts a long history in Indian medicine for the treatment of mouth ulcers, gingivitis, throat infections, inflammation of the mouth, and respiratory catarrh. It's topically applied to ulcers and may be used as a mouthwash or gargle. In East Africa, it serves as an anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic agent.
High Trade Value
In ancient times, the Egyptians imported great quantities of myrrh from Palestine. Because of its unique aromatic fragrance, it was highly valued as a trade commodity. The Ishmaelite travelers who purchased Joseph from his meanspirited brothers were journeying to Egypt with camels loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh (Genesis 37:25). It was believed that the Queen of Sheba brought great quantities of the herb and other spices from Yemen as gifts for King Solomon. The long-heralded "balm of Gilead" is a member of the myrrh family, known far and wide as a healing agent for wounds.
When the sons of Jacob returned to him with the request from Joseph to bring Benjamin to Egypt the old patriarch sent products from the land of Palestine in an attempt to appease the prime minister. The shipment included myrrh, along with almonds, pistachio nuts, honey, and spices (Genesis 43:11).
Precious Perfume
Myrrh was commonly used as perfume in the Middle East. In ancient Persia, when King Ahasuerus set about choosing a new queen to replace Vashti, the eligible girls had to complete 12 months of beauty treatments, including a six-month cosmetic regimen with the oil of myrrh (Esther 2:12). That oil is still used today during massage treatments.
The herb was one of the ingredients of the anointing oil used in the Jewish tabernacle and served as incense in religious rituals centered on ancient gods. It was proved effective as a fiimigant for homes and temples of the Old Testament.
But it is Christ's life with which myrrh is most famously connected. The magi who visited Mary and Joseph at the birth of Jesus brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). That gift hinted at the future awaiting the tiny baby in the manger. Myrrh was commonly used as an embalming agent by Egyptians and others in the ancient world. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took His body and prepared it for burial using 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes (John 19:39).
Interesting site...QUOTE
http://www.dherbs.com/articles/dangers-nightlife-161.html
Essential oils and incense of Frankincense and Myrrh also help to stimulate the Pineal Gland. This is why the baby Christ in Matthew 2:11was given Frankincense and Myrrh as a gift. This is symbolic of the Christ Consciousness, also known as the Third Eye (Pineal Gland). Frankincense and Myrrh are considered gifts to the baby Christ (denoting Christ Consciousness) because these resins stimulate the Pineal Gland and activate our Christ Consciousness.
Gold (as well as Pyrite Gold or Fool's Gold) also stimulates the Pineal Gland and can be used over it just like magnets. Gold was also given to the baby Christ in Matthew 2:11 along with Frankincense and Myrrh.
Essential oils and incense of Frankincense and Myrrh also help to stimulate the Pineal Gland. This is why the baby Christ in Matthew 2:11was given Frankincense and Myrrh as a gift. This is symbolic of the Christ Consciousness, also known as the Third Eye (Pineal Gland). Frankincense and Myrrh are considered gifts to the baby Christ (denoting Christ Consciousness) because these resins stimulate the Pineal Gland and activate our Christ Consciousness.
Gold (as well as Pyrite Gold or Fool's Gold) also stimulates the Pineal Gland and can be used over it just like magnets. Gold was also given to the baby Christ in Matthew 2:11 along with Frankincense and Myrrh.
or...
QUOTE
http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/starfire2.html
Pine resin was long identified with pineal secretion and was used to make frankincense (the incense of priesthood). Gold, on the other hand, was a traditional symbol of kingship. Hence, gold and frankincense were the traditional substances of the Priest-Kings of the Messianic Bloodline, along with myrrh (a gum resin used as a medical sedative) which was symbolic of death.
In the ancient world, higher knowledge was identified as daäth (from which comes our word, 'death'). In fact, as we know very well, the New Testament describes that these three substances (gold, frankincense and myrrh) were presented to Jesus by the Magi, thereby identifying him beyond doubt as an hereditary Priest-King of the Dragon succession.
Pine resin was long identified with pineal secretion and was used to make frankincense (the incense of priesthood). Gold, on the other hand, was a traditional symbol of kingship. Hence, gold and frankincense were the traditional substances of the Priest-Kings of the Messianic Bloodline, along with myrrh (a gum resin used as a medical sedative) which was symbolic of death.
In the ancient world, higher knowledge was identified as daäth (from which comes our word, 'death'). In fact, as we know very well, the New Testament describes that these three substances (gold, frankincense and myrrh) were presented to Jesus by the Magi, thereby identifying him beyond doubt as an hereditary Priest-King of the Dragon succession.
QUOTE
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publi...romyalgia.shtml
A growing number of health professionals consider essential oils to be medicine.
The oils of following can be used to treat some of the symptoms also benefitial in cases of fibromyalgia as discussed below:
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil is beneficial for decongesting the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and may help edema, cellulite, varicose veins, and water retention. It is anti-infectious, antibacterial, and antimicrobial.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is anticatarrhal, prevents scarring, antitumoral, immune-stimulating, and antidepressant.
Helicrysum (Helichrysum italicum) oil regenerates tissue, reduces tissue pain and may help to improve skin conditions and circulatory function. It is anticoagulant, prevents phlebitis, helps regulate cholesterol, stimulates liver cell function, is ant catarrhal, mucolytic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and reduces scarring and discoloration.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil works well for purification. It may be beneficial for the digestive system, and has been reported to help regenerate connective tissue. It is a vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, sedative and supportive to the digestive system.
Ravensara aromatica has been shown to be useful for Fibromyalgia. Calophyllum inophyllum can be mixed with Ravensara aromatica and Petitgrain as a good external application.
Fibromyalgia may respond to gentle exercise, particularly walking and massage. Acupuncture or acupressure stimulation of tender points and trigger points can also be helpful.
Herbal or Natural Remedies: Some alternative agents are being investigated for fibromyalgia: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural substance that has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It has shown some benefit in controlled studies.
Melatonin, a natural hormone associated with the sleep-wake cycle, may have benefits for some patients with fibromyalgia.
Collagen hydrolysat, a food supplement, significantly decreases pain in fibromyalgia patients. It is extremely important for patients to realize that any herbal remedy or natural medicine that has positive effects most likely has negative side effects and toxic reactions, just as any conventional drug does.
It is strongly advised to consult a physician before using any untested products or dietary supplements, and to discuss potential interactions with any medications being taken.
St. John's wort is an herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, including to treat depression. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum in Latin) is a long-living plant with yellow flowers. It contains many chemical compounds. Some are believed to be the active ingredients that produce the herb's effects, including the compounds hypericin and hyperforin. St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders as well as nerve pain. St. John's wort is used by some people to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Minerals like magnesium and Other natural supplements like Maleic acid, 5-HTP and the dietary guidelines can help patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
Include plenty of fluids in your diet, especially fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Food rich in saturated fats are harmful, so keep away from them as well as red meat, fatty food, tomatoes, vinegar, potatoes, green pepper and eggplant.
Light exercise and Yoga may be helpful.
Inhalation of any of the Firs, Pines, or Spruces is useful especially when mixed with Rosemary pyramidalis.
Studies indicate that exercise is effective in managing fibromyalgia, and patients must expect to undergo a long-term exercise program. The basic approach is called a graded exercise which begins with mild exercise and building over time. Patients who do not respond to one type of exercise might consider experimenting with other forms of physical activity. It should be noted that some patients are so disabled that they experience no benefits over time. Establish regular sleep routines, particularly since pain is aggrevated by disturbed sleep. Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques are proving to be helpful in managing chronic pain. Deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, meditation, hypnosis, acupuncture and magnet therapy etc may also be tried.
Diet: Fibromyalgia patients should maintain a healthy diet low in animal fat and high in fiber, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are of particular interest for arthritic pain. Such oils are found in cold water fish and can be purchased as supplements called EPA-DHA or omega 3.
Some studies then have suggested that a vegetarian diet may be helpful. Study shows that elimination of common food allergens (corn, wheat, dairy, citrus, soy, and nuts) from the diet help control fibromyalgia. Patients may try this elimination diet approach to see if it helps. The substances called excitotoxins stimulate neurotransmitters and in excess, may damage nerve cells. Better research is needed to confirm these findings, although there is no harm in eliminating the additives if patients include them in their diets.
Precautions: Any substance that can affect the body's chemistry can, produce side effects that may be harmful. Even if studies report positive benefits from herbal remedies or conventional medicine, more work in this area is needed (20, 36).
Conclusion
Because little significant research has been conducted on Fibromyalgia. Patients and doctors need to work together to make the best choices for individual symptoms and concerns. Since the symptoms of the disease vary from patient to patient, the treatment program should be suggested keeping in view the requirement of the patient.
A growing number of health professionals consider essential oils to be medicine.
The oils of following can be used to treat some of the symptoms also benefitial in cases of fibromyalgia as discussed below:
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil is beneficial for decongesting the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and may help edema, cellulite, varicose veins, and water retention. It is anti-infectious, antibacterial, and antimicrobial.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is anticatarrhal, prevents scarring, antitumoral, immune-stimulating, and antidepressant.
Helicrysum (Helichrysum italicum) oil regenerates tissue, reduces tissue pain and may help to improve skin conditions and circulatory function. It is anticoagulant, prevents phlebitis, helps regulate cholesterol, stimulates liver cell function, is ant catarrhal, mucolytic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and reduces scarring and discoloration.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil works well for purification. It may be beneficial for the digestive system, and has been reported to help regenerate connective tissue. It is a vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, sedative and supportive to the digestive system.
Ravensara aromatica has been shown to be useful for Fibromyalgia. Calophyllum inophyllum can be mixed with Ravensara aromatica and Petitgrain as a good external application.
Fibromyalgia may respond to gentle exercise, particularly walking and massage. Acupuncture or acupressure stimulation of tender points and trigger points can also be helpful.
Herbal or Natural Remedies: Some alternative agents are being investigated for fibromyalgia: S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural substance that has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It has shown some benefit in controlled studies.
Melatonin, a natural hormone associated with the sleep-wake cycle, may have benefits for some patients with fibromyalgia.
Collagen hydrolysat, a food supplement, significantly decreases pain in fibromyalgia patients. It is extremely important for patients to realize that any herbal remedy or natural medicine that has positive effects most likely has negative side effects and toxic reactions, just as any conventional drug does.
It is strongly advised to consult a physician before using any untested products or dietary supplements, and to discuss potential interactions with any medications being taken.
St. John's wort is an herb that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, including to treat depression. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum in Latin) is a long-living plant with yellow flowers. It contains many chemical compounds. Some are believed to be the active ingredients that produce the herb's effects, including the compounds hypericin and hyperforin. St. John's wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders as well as nerve pain. St. John's wort is used by some people to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Minerals like magnesium and Other natural supplements like Maleic acid, 5-HTP and the dietary guidelines can help patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
Include plenty of fluids in your diet, especially fresh vegetable and fruit juices. Food rich in saturated fats are harmful, so keep away from them as well as red meat, fatty food, tomatoes, vinegar, potatoes, green pepper and eggplant.
Light exercise and Yoga may be helpful.
Inhalation of any of the Firs, Pines, or Spruces is useful especially when mixed with Rosemary pyramidalis.
Studies indicate that exercise is effective in managing fibromyalgia, and patients must expect to undergo a long-term exercise program. The basic approach is called a graded exercise which begins with mild exercise and building over time. Patients who do not respond to one type of exercise might consider experimenting with other forms of physical activity. It should be noted that some patients are so disabled that they experience no benefits over time. Establish regular sleep routines, particularly since pain is aggrevated by disturbed sleep. Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques are proving to be helpful in managing chronic pain. Deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, meditation, hypnosis, acupuncture and magnet therapy etc may also be tried.
Diet: Fibromyalgia patients should maintain a healthy diet low in animal fat and high in fiber, with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are of particular interest for arthritic pain. Such oils are found in cold water fish and can be purchased as supplements called EPA-DHA or omega 3.
Some studies then have suggested that a vegetarian diet may be helpful. Study shows that elimination of common food allergens (corn, wheat, dairy, citrus, soy, and nuts) from the diet help control fibromyalgia. Patients may try this elimination diet approach to see if it helps. The substances called excitotoxins stimulate neurotransmitters and in excess, may damage nerve cells. Better research is needed to confirm these findings, although there is no harm in eliminating the additives if patients include them in their diets.
Precautions: Any substance that can affect the body's chemistry can, produce side effects that may be harmful. Even if studies report positive benefits from herbal remedies or conventional medicine, more work in this area is needed (20, 36).
Conclusion
Because little significant research has been conducted on Fibromyalgia. Patients and doctors need to work together to make the best choices for individual symptoms and concerns. Since the symptoms of the disease vary from patient to patient, the treatment program should be suggested keeping in view the requirement of the patient.
QUOTE
http://www.jenniferhaas.com/aromatherapy.htm
Elemi (Canarium Iuzonicum) is distilled from the gum of a tree originating in the Philippines. It has been used in Europe for hundreds of years in salves for skin and is included in celebrated healing ointments such as baume parlytique. Elemi was used by a 17th-century physician, J. J. Wecker, on the battle wounds of soldiers. It belongs to the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincense (Boswellia carteri) and myrrh (Commiphor myrrha). Elemi is highly regarded today for soothing sore muscles, protecting skin, and stimulating nerves.
Elemi (Canarium Iuzonicum) is distilled from the gum of a tree originating in the Philippines. It has been used in Europe for hundreds of years in salves for skin and is included in celebrated healing ointments such as baume parlytique. Elemi was used by a 17th-century physician, J. J. Wecker, on the battle wounds of soldiers. It belongs to the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincense (Boswellia carteri) and myrrh (Commiphor myrrha). Elemi is highly regarded today for soothing sore muscles, protecting skin, and stimulating nerves.
QUOTE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemi
History of the name
The word elemi has been used at various times to denote different resins. In the 17th and 18th centuries the term usually denoted a resin from trees of the genus Icica in Brazil, and before that it meant the resin derived from Boswellia Frereana. The word, like the older term animi appears to have been derived from enhaemon (εναιμον): the name of a styptic medicine said by Pliny to contain tears exuded by the olive tree of Arabia.[1]
"The name Elemi is derived from an Arabic phrase meaning 'above and below', an abbreviation of 'As above, so below' and this tells us something about its action on the emotional and spiritual planes." (Davis, 108)
History of the name
The word elemi has been used at various times to denote different resins. In the 17th and 18th centuries the term usually denoted a resin from trees of the genus Icica in Brazil, and before that it meant the resin derived from Boswellia Frereana. The word, like the older term animi appears to have been derived from enhaemon (εναιμον): the name of a styptic medicine said by Pliny to contain tears exuded by the olive tree of Arabia.[1]
"The name Elemi is derived from an Arabic phrase meaning 'above and below', an abbreviation of 'As above, so below' and this tells us something about its action on the emotional and spiritual planes." (Davis, 108)
http://morganmassage.abmpweb.com/healingoilsofthebible.html
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.