Herbal Incense Dhoop

Memory -Promoting Smells

 

Memory-Promoting Smells

No.1  Ginkgo biloba

Ancient medicine men and savvy shamans have been using leaf extract from the mighty ginkgo biloba tree for hundreds of years to treat a wide variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis and fatigue, and while ginkgo’s ability to combat these ailments is well-documented, most medical practitioners now agree that its biggest benefit is how it enhances your memory. According to a recent experiment, participants scored 40% higher on cognitive tests after ingesting a single ginkgo pill. If one pill can make that much of a difference, just imagine what you can accomplish by smelling ginkgo on a regular basis.

No.2  Myrrh

The Three Wise Men clearly knew what they were doing when they brought Jesus a bottle of myrrh to commemorate his birth. Derived from the sacred myrrh plant found in Somalia and Ethiopia, myrrh has been proven to boost memory by stimulating blood circulation and sending a burst of oxygen to the brain. Some mystics even believe myrrh can help you recall past-life experiences.

Did you know that in 2001 Rutgers University scientists identified myrrh compounds that kill cancer cells? They were optimistic that myrhh can be used for the treatment and prevention of prostate and breast cancer. And to assist with the treatment of brain tumors (malignant).

Similar to Frankincense, myrrh contains up to 75% sesquiterpenescompounds that stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions. It also helps the hypothalamus, pineal and pituitary glands that produce many of the important hormones in the body.

No.3  Spinach

It turns out Popeye had it right all along. New studies have validated the curmudgeonly “Sailor Man’s” diet by proving spinach can protect your brain from oxidative stress. According to Dr. Adam Franklin, a professor and the author of Scents and Sensibility, “Not only is spinach rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, but it also contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that speed up the brain and protect it from degenerative diseases.” As an added bonus, this leafy green vegetable can also lower your risk of heart disease and, depending on whom you ask, allow you to pummel Bluto to within an inch of his life.

No.4   Sage

It isn’t a mere coincidence that sage is a synonym for “wise.” That’s because this evergreen shrub can actually make you feel more astute by heightening your powers of retention. A study in the scientific journal Nutrition recently lent credence to this claim by documenting how mice injected with sage-leaf extract were better able to retain memories. A subsequent study published in the New England Journal of Pharmacology proved that sage-leaf extract was also effective in reducing cell death in mice. So, take some sage advice and smell a little sage today.

No.5  Frankincense

 

Essential Oil (Boswellia carteri) has anti-depressant and immune stimulating properties. The high sesquiterpenes level stimulates and oxygenates the limbic system of the brain which elevates our mood and helps us relax (overcome stress).

TRPV3 receptor of the brain responsive to Frankincense and this receptor is implicated in mood regulation. Frankincense does not show any adverse side effects.

No.6  Helichrysum

Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum) is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. It also improves circulation and may help cleanse the blood.

• Anti Haematoma: The essential oil of Helichrysum helps clear the accumulation of bloods or blood clots which result from a haemorrhage. This can be very helpful to clear blood clots in brain after a brain haemorrhage. These clots often interfere with normal functioning of brain. This oil promotes dissolution or melting away of such clots.

No.7  Sandalwood

 

Essential Oil (Santalum album) has anti-depressant, astringent, aphrodisiac and sedative properties. It is calming and emotionally balancing and is used for depression and stress.

No.8  Cedarwood 

Essential Oil (Cedras atlantica) has anti-infectious, anti-fungal and sedative properties. It stimulates the pineal gland which releases melatonin. It is calming and purifying.

It's very powerful for regenerating arterial walls. It's powerful for the lymphatic system for the simple reason that it increases oxygen flow into the fluid and into the blood fluid through the whole body. It's really a beautiful oil. In order to have brain power and great memory recall and great memory retention, you have got to have good oxygen to the brain. That is really important.

No.9  Melissa or Lemon Balm 

Essential Oil (Melissa officinalis) has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and relaxant properties. It is calming and uplifting and used for depression.

No.10  Lavender 

Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps relief stress, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and nervous tension in the body.

Rosemary & Lavender :

essential oils affect cognition and mood in 144 healthy adults. These findings indicate that the olfactory properties of these essential oils can produce objective effects on cognitive performance, as well as subjective effects on mood. Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumberland Building, University of Northumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK. mark.moss@unn.ac.uk

Inhalation of lavender, ylang ylang, and bergamot essential oils reduced psychological stress response as indicated by reduced serum cortisol levels. (Hwang 1123)

No.11 Blue Cypress 

Essential Oil (Callitris intratropica) has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insect repellent, and sedative properties. It is a stimulant to the amygdala, pineal gland, pituitary gland and hypothalamus.

No.12   Rosemary

Research has found the essential oil from rosemary helps long-term memory and alertness

Sniffing Rosemary Can Increase Memory By 75%

Rosemary oil is wonderful for stimulating the mind, enhancing clarity, relieving stiffness of joints, stimulating healthy hair growth, improving mental awareness as well as improving memory

Rosemary oil has a pronounced action on the brain and the central nervous system and is wonderful for clearing the mind and mental awareness, while having excellent brain stimulant properties, as well as improving memory

Shakespeare was right in saying rosemary can improve your memory

Smelling rosemary 'may improve memory'

9th April 2013 - Smelling essential oil from the herb rosemary could improve memory, according to a small study by the University of Northumbria.

Researchers say their findings may have implications for treating people with memory problems in future.

Rosemary facts

Rosemary was already thought to improve memory by the ancient Greeks and, according to the Herb Society, has been seen as a symbol of love and loyalty and to ward off evil spirits.

These days it is used as an ingredient in cooking and as a moth repellent. It is also used as an ingredient in some traditional herbal remedies, including ones to help with coughs and sore throats and the discomfort of cystitis in women.

Rosemary smell study

To conduct the experiment, drops of rosemary essential oil were wafted around a room before the participants came in.

66 healthy adults took part and were randomly sent to the rosemary room, or a room with no scent.

Both groups were given memory tests, including finding objects they'd seen being hidden earlier. They were scored depending on how much help or prompting they needed to finish the tasks.

They were also given questionnaires to assess their mood. Blood tests were also given to see whether a compound linked to rosemary and memory had entered the bloodstream.

There was no link between the participant's mood and memory, which the researchers suggest means performance was not influenced by changes in alertness or arousal.

Rosemary study results

The people who'd been in the rosemary scented room did better in the memory tests and tests to see if they remembered to carry out tasks on time. In a statement, one of the researchers, Dr Mark Moss, says this could prove useful in everyday life: "For example when someone needs to remember to post a birthday card or to take medication at a particular time."

Another of the Northumbria researchers, Jemma McCready, says it is too soon to say whether rosemary might help people with impaired memory: "Remembering when and where to go and for what reasons underpins everything we do, and we all suffer minor failings that can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous. Further research is needed to investigate if this treatment is useful for older adults who have experienced memory decline." 

The new results were presented to the Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society in Harrogate, rather than appearing in a peer reviewed journal.

However, the findings back up the team's earlier research published last year in in Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. A small study involving 20 people suggested that the scent of rosemary oil may improve speed and accuracy when performing certain mental tasks.

Essential Oils for psychological support :

· Peppermint

· Lemon

· Lavender

· Bergamot

· Basil

· Lemongrass

· Sandalwood

· Frankincense

· Rose

· Jasmine

· Rosemary

  “Coming to our Senses: Incorporating Brain Research Findings into Classroom Instructions.” Educational Digest November 2009

 Essential oils to boost learning:

· Memory and cognitive functioning is reinforced by using aroma
· Peppermint and lemon energized
· One study showed that groups were able to solve puzzles 30% faster than control group
· Chamomile and pine were good for performance jitters before exams
· Pine has been used in London’s Heathrow Airport to ease travelers going through customs.
· College students exposed to lemon performed word construction and decoding tasks better than unexposed group.
· Another study showed floral aromas were associated with doubling the speed of learning.
• Cinnamon
• Beta-amyloid plaques are one of the trademarks of Alzheimer's disease. The other is tangles in the brain made of tau proteins that can cause brain cells to die.
• Emerging research from the University of California at Santa Barbara reveals that two compounds in cinnamon -- proanthocyanidins and cinnamaldehyde -- may inactivate these tau proteins.
• While this research is still in its infancy, a sprinkle of cinnamon on your oatmeal or yogurt certainly couldn't hurt.

Some great brain foods Link:

http://knowingyourself1.blogspot.in/2014/04/some-great-brain-foods.html

How To Make Your Own Perfume

As well as jewellery making I like to dabble in the art of cosmetics. I have very sensitive skin and I find homemade products don't tend to react with me like some shop bought products.

A last summer I read an article in Making magazine about making your own perfume and since then I have been hooked on making fragrances. I find smells are wonderful at bringing back memories. Last summer El and I made some perfumes. The main fragrance note mine was jasmine and now when I smell it I think of us crafting away on a hot sunny day. I was 39 weeks pregnant and we had a great time making perfume and friendship bracelets. A few days later I gave birth to my little girl.

I made a new blend for the last few weeks of winter and the coming of spring. I was going for a warm, light floral fragrance and I am pleased with it. This is the great thing about making your own scent you can make something that suits you exactly.

This is how I make perfume.

You will need:

25ml perfume bottle
Perfumer's Alcohol
Essential oils - about 3 or 4
Pipette or measuring syringe (you can get small ones from the pharmacist to give medicine to children which are ideal) 
Cotton wool
Paper plates
Pen 

All my perfume supplies come from Plush Folly.

Choosing essential oils

There are many essential oils to choose from. A good place to start is the base notes directory. They have listed most famous brand perfumes and the essential oils used in them, listing some of the top, middle and base notes. I am a Chanel fan so when I started I looked at my favourites and picked oils from a few different fragrances. I didn't want make a copy of a famous brand, I wanted make something unique.

Top notes are the first scents you smell. They last for about 5 - 30 minutes and make up about 20% - 40% of the blend

Middle notes or the "heart" of the fragrance. They begin to unfold after about 10 - 30 minutes. They make up everything from 40% - 80% to the scent

Base notes linger longer than the other notes and develop after 30 minutes. They make up 10% - 25%. 

For this perfume I chose mandarin (top), frangipani (middle), jasmine (bottom) and amber (bottom)

Dilutant

 I have tried making perfume following suggestions to use vodka and haven't found the results to be very satisfying.  The fragrance fades very quickly. I have started using perfumer's alcohol and the results have been great. It contains additives that boost the staying the fragrance and as it is not that expensive I think it is worth it. 

Instructions

1. First you have to decide on the ratio of oils in your blend. Place a ball of cotton wool on a paper plate. I used several plates. Add one drop of your top note on to each cotton wool ball. Write down on the paper plate the name of the oil and mark how many drops you added.

In my first round of adding drops of oil I tried a few different combinations. (I tried without the amber and with juniper berry.)

2. Use this method to try different combinations of oils. I had several different ratios. Once you have a few different combinations place the balls into separate glass jars and leave them for an hour. (Make sure you place the jars back on the plates otherwise you won't know which one is which!)

3. After an hour smell each cotton wool ball and decide which one you like the best. Repeat if you think another combination could be better. My final combination was

mandarin oil      II
frangipani oil     II
jasmine oil         I
amber oil           I
            =           6 drops in total 

4. Now the maths part... I am making 25ml of perfume. A perfume is 80% perfumer's alcohol and 20% essential oils. My perfume is going to consist of 20ml of perfumer's alcohol (the 80%) and 5ml of essential oils (the other 20%).

To work out the ratio of oils. I have 6 drops to my oil mixture and to increase to this to 5ml. Divide the amount required by the drops you used.

5(ml) / 6 (drops)  = 0.83

Each drop scaled up equals 0.8ml (approx)

To make my perfume blend I need

mandarin oil    1.6ml
frangipani oil   1.6ml
jasmine oil       0.8ml
amber oil          0.8ml
           =           4.8ml (nearly 5ml, close enough. I add a few more drops of frangipani) 

5. Add the oils and the perfumer's alcohol to your perfume bottle.

6. Leave your bottle in a dark place and shake every day for a week. By the end of the week your perfume will have matured and is ready to wear.

I am really pleased with this blend. The first aroma is the mandarin which is sweet and citrusy, not as sharp as lemon or grapefruit. This gradually subsides to the exotic smell of frangipani through to the base note scent of jasmine and amber. The frangipani and jasmine are fairly similiar, the amber tones these down and adds some warmth to the blend. This is perfect for the last few weeks of winter warm but with a hint of spring.

I think nearer the summer I will be making something with a fresher, greener scent.

Until next time

Nikki x

If you’re concerned about the chemicals lurking in commercial perfumes and would like an all natural option, then this post is for you! Make your own perfume at home with just vodka and essential oils and save tons of money in the process! And it’s surprisingly easy.

I have quite the memory for scents. To this day, I will get a whiff of a man’s cologne and instantly remember an old boyfriend who used to wear the same scent. Maybe that’s why I was so enamored with the movie, “Perfume: Story of  Murderer.” Ever seen it? The first time the Mr. and I saw it was when we were living in France, which is where the movie takes place, and that added to its magic. It is such a good, twisted story with dark romance – all about a very misguided young man whose only talent in the world is his incredible nose and he uses it to make perfume. Those were the days when perfume was actually made from the steam distillation of flowers (which is how essential oils are made) with no added chemicals or ingredients. It was real, natural, botanical perfume.

Now that I’ve been getting rid of toxins in our lives to everything from cleaning supplies, to lotion, toshampoo, to laundry detergent, perfume was the next thing on the list. So, I’ve lost my long-time love of perfume (been wearing it since I was a teenager and now I’m, well, in my very early thirties (smile)). I had to create one I’d like just as much as what I used to spend half a weeks’ worth of groceries on – and now I have!

Chemicals In Store-Bought Perfumes

According to this article from Scientific American, perfumes contain petrochemcials, which are chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas, and many other hazardous synthetic chemicals. Take one of my old favorite perfumes – J’Adore by Christian Dior. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) gives it a 7 rating out of 10 for toxicity, with moderate concerns for cancer and high concerns for endocrine disruption (which effects breast cancer, thyroid, hormones and more). Eek, not good! According to this article from the EWG,

A new analysis reveals that top-selling fragrance products—from Britney Spears’ Curious and Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity to Calvin Klein Eternity and Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce —contain a dozen or more secret chemicals not listed on labels, multiple chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or disrupt hormones, and many substances that have not been assessed for safety by the beauty industry’s self-policing review panels.

Sorry, more bad news. And I learned that second-hand scents are also harmful. Some of the chemicals even make their way into fat tissue and breast milk – NOT good for our babies. To me the scariest part is companies do not have to divulge all of the ingredients in their perfumes to protect their trade secrets, so consumers cannot find out what exactly they are getting into.

So, let’s get to the fun part! This is the same ratio of essential oils I’ve used in my homemade room deodorizer recipe. I just can’t get enough of the scent – I’m crazy about cedarwood and orange these days! I’ve also made a blend similar to the one in my homemade bath salts recipe.

How To Make Your Own Perfume : 2

• 100 proof Vodka - please read my note below about this OR water OR a carrier oil (like jojoba, olive, grapeseed, etc.)
• Your favorite essential oils
• Glass spray bottle (essential oils will eat plastic)
  I got my bottle at my local natural foods store, but Amazon sells lots of adorable, vintage-style perfume bottles like this one..

Note about vodka: 100 proof is best to fully dissolve the essential oils, but all we can find at the liquor store is 80 proof, so I do have to shake it up before each use. My husband likes when I’m in a perfume mood so he can take a swig every now and then! If you use water or a carrier oil, you will also have to shake the bottle before each use.

Choosing your favorite blend of essential oils…

is really very different for each person – one oil might smell completely different from person to person as it reacts with your skin, so experiment and find a few you like! To do it correctly, you need 3 notes – top, middle and base. The top note is experienced first, then the middle, then the base. Each essential oil evaporates at different rates, so it takes knowledge of each rate to create a proper perfume – it’s really quite an art! I’m just a beginner at it myself, but am learning a lot as I go. To read more about it, see this article from Aroma Web where they list all the top, middle and base notes. I suggest choosing one from each category to start!

Essential Oils are Powerful…

and should be used sparingly as perfume/cologne. Some are not safe to be used on the skin.

So, here are some blends I really like!

Make with 2 tablespoons of vodka or water, for larger quantities you may want to add more oils.

Forest Fairies Blend

• 40 drops orange essential oil
• 20 drops cedarwood oil
• 10 drops peppermint oil
• 5 drops rosemary oil

Romantic Flower Garden

• 20 drops Orange Essential Oil
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 10 drops Patchouli Essential Oil
• 10 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
• 5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
• 5 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Mountain Rose Herbs has a great post about how to make perfume from actual herbs, plants and flowers if you’d like to go that route.

Twelve Oils Of Ancient Scripture

An Historical Perspective

The oils and aromatics mentioned in the Bible were more valuable than gold and silver.  Israel’s King Hezekaih kept “the spices, and the precious ointment” (2 Kings 20:13) together with silver and gold in the royal treasure chamber.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines anoint as “to apply oil to as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.”  It has been suggested that the holy anointing oil described in Exodus 30:23-25 is a symbol of being set apart for special purposes in God’s kingdom.  People and objects were anointed throughout the Bible: Aaron and his sons were anointed priests, the Tabernacle and all of its vessels were anointed before being put into service, and Saul and David were anointed to be kings.  The Hebrew word for Messiah, Moschiach, means “Anointed One.”  Jesus Christ was twice anointed with the oil of spikenard, which was so expensive that Judas was indignant that it wasn’t sold to raise money for the poor.

God mandated that the anointing oil be fragrant when He instructed Moses to add spices and fragrant oils to the base of pure olive oil.  Psalm 45 informs us that the garments of the Messiah are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia.  In one Bible translation of Philippians 4:18, Paul described gifts given as “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”

Incense was offered twice daily in the Tabernacle and later in the temple in Jerusalem.  In Proverbs 27:9 we are told “ointment and perfume rejoice in the heart.”  The New Testament suggests that incense offering represents the prayers of saints.  In Revelation 5:8, “four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints,” the King James translators chose to translate the Greek word “thumiama” as “odours” rather than “incense”.  According to Strong"s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, “thumiama” ritual use of incense represented God’s power over life and death in Numbers 16:46-48 wherein the High Priest Aaron walked through the congregation with it, stopping a deadly plague.

Therapeutic Effects of the
Twelve Oils of  Ancient Scripture

Considering there are 12 oils mentioned numerous times throughout the Holy Scriptures it is no coincidence that God has given these oil to mankind to sustain a healthy body.  These oils alone address all the body systems and appear to be prophetic when considering the volatile times fast approaching God’s people.  A brief synopsis of the oils will be presented to further educate those interested in taking responsibility for their own health.

Aloes/Sandalwood – (Santalum album)

“And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight” (John 19:39).  Many botanists believe that aloes was derived from sandalwood, one of the oldest incenses known to man.  Its 4,000-year history includes use as a carved wood as well as distillation for its sweet-, woody-, and fruity-scented oil.  The great quantity of myrrh and aloes used in preparing Christ’s body for burial was indicative of respect.

          Action:  Sandalwood is high in sesquiterpenes that have been researched in Europe for their ability to stimulate the pineal gland and the limbic region of the brain.  The pineal gland is responsible for releasing melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that enhances deep sleep.  Sandalwood is similar to Frankincense oil in its support of nerves and circulation.

         Indications: Bronchitis (chronic), herpes, cystitis, and skin tumors.

         Uses:  May help with cystitis and urinary tract infections.  It may also be beneficial for acne, depression, pulmonary infections, menstrual problems, nervous tension, and skin infection.  It may help dry or dehydrated skin.

 Emotional Uses:  May unlock emotional trauma fro DNA of cells, oxygenate the pineal and pituitary glands, thus improving attitude.

Cassia – (Cinnamomum cassia)

 “All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad” (Psalm 45:8).  Two of the oldest known spices in the world are cinnamon and cassia.  It was an ingredient in the holy anointing oil and the incense that was burned daily in the temple.  While its aroma is similar to cinnamon, cassia is chemically and physically quite different.

         Action: Antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal.

         Traditional Uses: The British have used this oil specifically for flatulent dyspepsia or colic with nausea.  In Chinese medicine it is used particularly for vascular disorders.  Cassia oil is among the most antiseptic of essential oils.

 Cedarwood – (Cedrus atlantica)

“Then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean and Cedarwood and scarlet material and hyssop.” (Leviticus14:4).  The cedars of Lebanon were used to build Solomon’s Temple and Herod’s Temple where Christ taught.  Cedar was an integral part of two biblical purification rituals – one for lepers and another for those who were impure from touching a dead body.  Cedar was noted for its incorruptibility; and in ancient times, clothing was anointed with cedar to protect if from humidity. 

           Action:  Mildly antiseptic, Cedarwood may be effective against tuberculosis, bronchitis, gonorrhea, urinary infections, and skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis.  It can reduce hardening of the artery walls.  It also may help stimulate the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, an antioxidant hormone associated with deep sleep.

           Traditional Uses:  Cedarwood may help with acne, anxiety, arthritis, congestion, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, psoriasis, respiratory system, sinusitis, skin diseases and fluid retention.

           Emotional Uses:  It is high in sesquiterpenes that can stimulate the limbic region of the brain (the center of our emotions).  It is recognized for its calming and purifying effects.

 Cypress – (Cupressus sempervirens)

“He hewest him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengthen for himself among the trees of the forest” (Isaiah 44:14).  The cypress tree is renowned for its durability.  The sturdy cypress doors of the St. Peter’s in Rome, for example, show no signs of decay, even after 1,200 years!  The mighty cypress groves of Lebanon were described in the Apocryphal Book of Ecclesiasticus as trees “which groweth up to the clouds” (50:10).  Some Bible scholars believe that cypress may be the “gopher wood” used to build Noah’s Ark.

           Action:  Improves circulation and supports the nerves and intestines.  Anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-microbial (causative agent of tuberculosis), and strengthens blood of capillaries.

           Traditional Indications:  Arthritis, bronchitis, circulation, cramps, hemorrhoids, insomnia, intestinal parasites, menopausal problems, menstrual pin, pancreas insufficiencies, pulmonary infections, rheumatism, spasms, throat problems, varicose veins, and fluid retention. 

           Historical Use:  This oil may be beneficial for asthma, strengthening blood capillary walls, reducing cellulite, circulatory system, strengthening connective tissue, coughs, edema, improving energy, gallbladder, bleeding gums, hemorrhaging, laryngitis, liver disorders, muscular cramps, nervous tension, nose bleeds, and ovarian cysts.  It is outstanding when used in skin care, lessening scar tissue.

           Emotional Use:  Cypress influences, strengthens, and helps ease the feeling of loss.  It creates a feeling of security, grounding, and helps heal emotional trauma.

Frankincense- (Olibanum-Boswellia carteri)

“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?” (Song of Solomon 3:6).

An ancient synonym for frankincense is “olibanum”, derived from the Latin Olium libanum (oil from Lebanon).  Because frankincense symbolizes divinity, it was one of the three gifts given to the Christ child.  The temples of antiquity were fragrant with the aroma of burning frankincense.  It was well known for its healing powers during the time of Christ.  “Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man”, frankincense was valued more than gold during the ancient times.  Frankincense is now being researched and used therapeutically in European hospitals and is being investigated for its ability to improve human growth hormone production.

           Action:  Expectorant, anti-tumoral, immune-stimulant, anti-catarrhal, and anti-depressant.

           Traditional Indications:  Asthma, depression, and ulcers.  Supports the immune system.  It increases the activity of leukocytes in defense of the body against infection.

           Historical Uses:  This oil may help with allergies, bites (insect and snake), bronchitis, cancer, respiratory infections, diphtheria, headaches, hemorrhaging, herpes, high blood pressure, inflammation, stress, tonsillitis, typhoid, and warts.

Galbanum – (Ferula gummosa)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, “take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each there shall be a like weight” (Exodus 30:34).  There is an interesting suggestion in the Jewish Talmud as to why this powerful, less-than-fragrant resin was used in the holy incense: “Every communal fast that does not include sinners of Israel is not a fast.”  This has been linked to the fact that incense included spices or perfumes with lovely fragrances, but was not complete without one spice, galbanum, with its earthy odor.  Also during Biblical times this oil was used for its medicinal properties.

           Action: Anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, stimulant, supporting to the kidneys and menstruation, analgesic, light antispasmodic, and strengthening for the body.

           Indications: Asthma, inflammation, poor circulation and wounds.

           Historical Uses:  May help with abscesses, acne, asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, cramps, cuts, indigestion, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, rheumatism, scar tissue, stress, wrinkles, and wounds.

Hyssop – (Hyssopus officinalis)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).  The hyssop plant was used during the exodus from Egypt to dab the Hebrews’ doorposts with lamb’s blood, protecting them from the plague of death.  Hyssop may be the most difficult biblical plant to identify because so many possibilities have been suggested.  However, because hyssop (along with cedar) was used in purification rituals, modern-day hyssop with the chemical constituent carvacrol, which has antibacterial properties, make it a likely choice.

            Action:  Anti-asthmatic, anti-catarrhal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, decongestant, diuretic, mucolytic, and sedative.

            Traditional Indications:   Arthritis, asthma, bruises, respiratory infections, coughs, cuts, dermatitis, indigestion, fatigue, nervous tension, parasites (expelling worms), rheumatism, sore throats, viral infections, and wounds.
             Historical Uses:   This oil may help with colds and coughs, digestions, fever, gout, regulating lipid metabolism, raising low blood pressure, clearing lungs, discharging mucus, strengthening and toning the nervous system, preventing scarring, and viral infections.

            Emotional Uses:  Hyssop may be beneficial for anxiety and may also aid concentration and alertness by stimulating and clearing the mind.

Myrrh – (Commiphora myrrha)

“I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, and aloes, and cinnamon” (Proverbs 7:17).  Christ was given myrrh at His birth; and along with aloes, it was used in preparing His body for burial.  Myrrh was included in the holy anointing oil and was well known to the ancient perfumers.  From Ester 2:12, one learns that the candidates from which King Ahaseuerus was to pick his queen were prepared by anointing: “six month with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours.  The Arabian people of antiquity used myrrh for a variety of skin conditions.

            Action:  Anti-infectious, antiviral, parasitic (worms), hormone-like, anti-inflammatory, soothes skin conditions, anti-hyperthyroid, and supports immune system.

           Traditional Indications:  Bronchitis, diarrhea, dysentery, hyperthyroidism, stretch marks, thrush, ulcers, vaginal thrush and viral hepatitis.

           Historical Uses:  This oil may help asthma, athlete’s foot, candida, coughs, eczema, digestion, fungal infection, gingivitis, gum infections, hemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, ringworm, and sore throats, skin conditions (chapped and cracked), wounds, and wrinkles.

Myrtle – (Myrtus communis)

“Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written” (Nehemiah 8:15). When the Jews came out of Babylonian captivity, Kin Nehemiah commanded that they gather branches from four trees, including myrtle.  To the ancient Jews, myrtle was symbolic of peace and justice.  One of the promises to Israel for the future is that “instead of the brier shall come up they myrtle tree”  (Isaiah 55:13)

            Action:  Expectorant, anti-infectious, liver stimulant, prostate decongestant, light antispasmodic, hormone-like for the thyroid and ovary, and a tonic for the skin.

            Traditional Indications:  Bronchitis, coughs, hypothyroidism, insomnia, thyroid hormone-like effects, prostrate decongestant, respiratory tract ailments, sinus infection, tuberculosis, and ureter infections.  Researched by Dr. Daniel Penoel, Myrtle has been found useful for normalizing hormonal imbalances of the thyroid and ovaries, as well as balancing the hypothyroid.  It has also been researched for its soothing effects on the respiratory system.

           Historical Uses:  Asthma, respiratory infections, cystitis, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia (impaired digestion), flatulence, hemorrhoids, hormonal imbalances, support immune system, infections, infectious diseases, pulmonary disorders skin conditions (acne, blemishes, bruises, oily skin, psoriasis, etc.), and sinusitis.  Use on children for chest complaints and coughs.

Onycha – (Styrax benzoin)

“And to the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense; of each shall there be a like weight." (Exodus 30:34).  The great Jewish scholar Rashi said that onycha is a kind of root, while the Tulmud states it came from an annual plant.  It is a possibility that styrax benzoin may be the plan source for onycha.  Like frankincense and myrrh, benzoin is a resin.

            Action:  Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, carminative, and expectorant.

           Traditional Indications:  Arthritis, gout, asthma, bronchitis and skin conditions.

           Historical Uses:  Poor circulation, rheumatism, flu, chills, colic, coughs, laryngitis, cuts, chapped skin, and inflamed and irritated skin conditions.

           Emotional Uses:  Traditionally known for its comforting and soothing properties for nervous tension and stress.

Rose of Sharon/Cistus – (Labdanum – Cistus Ladanifer)
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley” (Song of Solomon 2:1).  In ancient times, the gum that exudes from this plant was collected from the hair of goats that had browsed among the bushes.

Cistus has been studied for its effect on cell regeneration.

            Action:  Anti-infectious, antiviral, antibacterial, powerful anti-hemorrhaging agent helps reduce inflammation.

            Traditional Indications:  Bronchitis, respiratory infections, urinary infections, wounds and wrinkles.

            Historical Uses:  Coughs, rhinitis, and may strengthen and support the immune system (due to phenol action).          

            Emotional Uses:  Cistus may affect the upper part of the brain.  It may also help quiet the nerves and calm the insomniac.

 Spikenard – (Nardostachys jatamansi)

“And Jesus being in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard, very precious, and she broke the box, and poured the ointment on his head.” (Mark 14:3).  Spikenard was transported to the Holy Land in sealed alabaster boxes all the way from the Himalayan Mountains.  When distinguished guest came visiting, the master of the house showed honor by breaking open the spikenard and anointing the guest.  The Hebrew and the Romans used spikenard in the burial of their dead.  This is why Jesus said of the woman who poured the precious spikenard oil on Him, “She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying” (Mark 14:8).

        Action:  Antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and skin tonic.

        Traditional Indications:  This oil is known for helping the treatment of allergic skin reactions.

        Historical Uses:  Candida, flatulent indigestion, insomnia, menstrual difficulties, migraine, nausea, rashes, staph infections, and tachycardia.  According to Dietrich Gumbel, Ph.D. it strengthens the heart and circulatory system.

       Emotional Uses:  Relaxing and soothing to the mind.