Treasures In The Old City Of Jerusalem

Treasures Of Frankincense, And Myrrh

Treasures of Frankincense and Myrrh are found in the Holy Land. At this time many of these treasures are brought in from other places, but that was not always the case. 2,000 years ago Frankincense trees were everywhere. Essential oils were produced from leaves, stems, and the roots of these trees. Now it is no longer true. For more than 1,500 years, there has been no frankincense trees growing in the Holy Land.  But times change and miracles happen. In 2012 the impossible happened again.  Dr. Solowey has managed to grow the first shoots of a tree whose white sap was precious. This sap was worth more than gold. This miracle is now alive and growing in Kibbutz Ketura. It is one of the treasures of the Holy Land.

Kibbutz Ketura is deep in Israel’s Negev Desert. It is here that Dr Solowey is carefully nurturing this sapling.  In her Negev greenhouse she is also nurturing saplings of myrrh and balm of Gilead. Balm of Gilead is thought to be the “gold” brought by the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus in the city of Bethlehem. These three trees are now making the start of a come back. Soon the Holy Land will once again be flourishing with Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gilead. They are worth more than gold.

So what is Frankincense, myrrh, and balm of Gilead? Why should we desire them? Back in the first century, frankincense, myrrh and balm of Gilead were known as “gold” to the ancients. They were prized in Egypt for their aroma. Their healing qualities were known far and wide.  They were three of the eleven ingredients found in the recipe used for the incense in the Temple of Solomon.  The recipe for the incense has been a secret but we know what went into the incense. They were also used as medicines. They were used in ointments and liquid medicines for internal use. All these treasures are making a come back in our time.

In modern time we know that Frankincense has many uses, let us look at a few. Frankincense essential oil is marvelous for all types of skin care. It heals burns, rashes, and sores. It is to be desired by all for healthy skin. You can put 3 drops in a carrier oil and use on your skin to keep it healthy or to heal unhealthy skin. This treasure is thought to send messages to the brain and help in the healing of nerves and nerve related issues. Frankincense oil in the bath will give you the feeling of peace, and relaxation. Add a few drops of frankincense oil to a hot bath for total relief from stress.  Add to an essential oil diffuser. It will clean the air of pollution and germs. You can use it to deodorize and disinfect any surface. Frankincense is excellent as a toothpaste. Take Organic Baking Soda and add a few drops of Frankincense to make a paste. It helps to prevent cavities, oral infections, tooth decay and bad breath. You can use it to fight wrinkles and aging. Mix 6 drops of Frankincense to one ounce of unscented oil. You can add 1-2 ounces of Frankincense 100% pure oil for internal use to 8 ounces of water or to 1 Tablespoon of honey for relief of indigestion or gas. Frankincense has truly earned it reputation of being more valuable than gold. These are just a few of the things that this fantastic oil is known for. Do your own research and you will even find that it fights cancer and other diseases like heart disease and blood pressure. What an amazing oil! PEOPLE WITH BLEEDING DISORDERS SHOULD NOT USE. IT CAN MAKE IT WORSE.  

Now as turn our attention to Myrrh, let’s discover a few of the things that makes this essential oil so awesome. First we find that it is a sap that comes from the  Commiphora Myrrha Tree. This tree is grown in Africa and the Middle East. Botanically, it is related to Frankincense Oil. It is the most used of all essential oils. This oil was used in incense and perfumes by the ancient Egyptians. The Greeks used it for healing wounds in ancient times.  It is an anti-viral and antibiotic. Myrrh essential oil do not allow germs to infect your system. It can be used to prevent most any microbial ailment. Thus it is good to lower fever, prevent and cure food poisoning, control coughs, mumps, measles, chicken pox and colds. It prevents infections in wounds. Myrrh essential oil gives relief from excess mucus and phlegm. You can use on small cuts and wounds to prevent infection. It is an antibiotic. This oil is used in aromatherapy,  as a sedative, and antidepressant.

 MYRRH SHOULD NOT BE USED BY PREGNANT WOMEN. YOU SHOULD NOT USE MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSES.

It blends well with Frankincense, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Patchouli, Rosewood, Sandal Wood, Tea Tree and Thyme essential oils. You can use with any carrier oil. The three most common are Almond, Olive, and Jojoba Oils. 

The final treasure of Israel that we are going to look at is Balm of Gilead. Balm of Gilead is made from the buds of the Cottonwood Tree. This can be done in the winter when other herbs may not be able to be used. The buds of the tree are available from fall to early winter. In Western Washington you will find them growing everywhere. In drier regions they grow near rivers. You can use branches that are downed by the wind to avoid using buds that will become leaves. Here is how you make Balm of Gilead. After you collect 1/2 jar of buds, wash and put in clean jar. Extra buds can be frozen for latter use. Pour the jar full of Olive Oil. Screw lid on top of a paper towel and set jar on a plate. It has a tendency to overflow. Label and date jar. For a few weeks stir jar daily. Make sure all buds are covered with oil to prevent mold. If they are sticking out in the morning , just stir them back into the oil. Soak the buds for at least 6 weeks and up to a year. Strain off the liquid. Do not wash jar, as it is seasoned for the next batch. You can apply directly to the skin or make into a salve.

Balm of Gilead is an anti-inflammatory , antimicrobial (it kills really little things that can infect you), and it is an analgesic, giving pain relief. It’s an extremely good  healing balm. It stimulates the skin and more. 

Do not use if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use if allergic to Aspirin or honey bee products. It is considered safe to use on the skin. It should not be taken orally. 

When in Israel on your next Holy Land Adventure, check out the small shops for stocking up on these special treasures of the land. Watch for the trees that are growing to start producing and other trees to start growing. Soon there will be an orchard of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Balm of Gilead. Your next adventure could be your best. See you at the herb shop. 

As with all herbs and oils, they are medicines. You should always consult your personal doctor before using something new and different.

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This was originally published on  exploretraveler.com Dec. 5,2015 at: 

https://exploretraveler.com/treasures-in-the-old-city-of-jerusalem/

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