Holiday Fun Fact: Frankincense and Myrrh

By Michael Masterson

When the Three Wise Men gave the Christ child frankincense and myrrh, they were doing much more than giving him something that smelled good. They were giving him a gift of good health. In those days, these two aromatics were widely used as medicine.

Frankincense, a natural antiseptic, sedative, and immune stimulant, was used as a treatment for respiratory problems, depression, infection, and tumors. Myrrh is a natural anti-inflammatory and astringent. It was used as a tonic and as a cure for cancer, leprosy, and syphilis. Mixed with coriander and honey, it was also used to treat herpes.

Both are still used by herbalists for many health problems.

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Today's Words That Work: Fatuous

Fatuous (FACH-oo-us) -- from the Latin for foolish -- means idiotic or smugly stupid.

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2839, 12-23-09], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.